The diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnancy
Carr, M.C.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 43(1): 15-21
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 4855573 Document Number: 81674
Anaemic pregnant women were given Fe by mouth or by injection. In those with transferrin saturation of less than 10%, the Hb value rose significantly. In those with transferrin saturation between 10% and 20% there was a significant but less striking response and in those with transferrin saturation above 20%, there was no response. The total iron-binding capacity tended to rise on treatment with Fe when the initial value was less than 400 mu g/100 ml and to fall when it was greater than 400 mu g/100 ml. It is considered that the transferrin saturation is as good an index of Fe status during pregnancy as it is in the nonpregnant state.