Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-3 | Issue-12 | 522-529
Original Research Article
Evaluation of Serum Ferritin Levels in Anemic Pregnant Women
Chand Nasib, Sharma Jyoti, Bala Jyoti, Yadav Aashit, Sethi Sheena, Singh Sarguna
Published : Dec. 30, 2018
Abstract
This study was conducted on 200 antenatal cases reporting to the
department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of MMIMS&R Mullana, having
haemoglobin levels less than 11gm/dl. Study was aimed at the assessment of serum
ferritin levels and haematological parameters in anemic pregnant women and to
evaluate the degree of severity of anemia including it’s morphological types on the
basis of peripheral blood film. A panel of haematological investigations was
performed that included Hb estimation, RBC count, MCH, MCHC, MCV, PCV,
peripheral blood film and biochemical test of serum ferritin estimation respectively.
Majority of the antenatal cases (55%), showed microcytic hypochromic blood picture
on PBF examination. Serum ferritin levels of <15µg/l were seen in maximum no of
cases (92.5%), which was suggestive of iron deficiency. Conclusively, individual
haematological parameters have their limitations, so a combination of different
parameters certainly improves their usefulness in antenatal care. These parameters
should be combined with other tests like serum ferritin levels estimation, to know the
exact iron status in pregnancy, as it is an accurate measure of iron stores. It also
distinguishes iron deficiency anemia from anemia of chronic disorders.