Premium
PLASMA FERRITIN LEVELS AS AN INDEX OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN WOMEN USING INTRAUTERINE DEVICES
Author(s) -
Guillebaud J.,
Barnett Myra D.,
Gordon Y. B.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb10684.x
Subject(s) - ferritin , iron deficiency , index (typography) , serum ferritin , obstetrics , medicine , physiology , computer science , anemia , world wide web
Summary Forty‐seven women were studied before and for one year after insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). The menstrual blood loss increased in 44 subjects (94 per cent), and this was related to the surface area of the IUCD. Plasma ferritin levels in the iron deficient range (below 16 ug/l) were present in 9 subjects (19 per cent) before insertion of the IUCD, whereas by the end of one year, 21 subjects (45 per cent) had reached these levels. The incidence of depressed ferritin levels was highest in subjects with a monthly blood loss exceeding 80 ml. The haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume measurements declined progressively, but were less sensitive predictors of iron deficiency. These findings indicate the need to monitor iron status and administer oral iron replacement therapy in subjects with an IUCD.