Iron Deficiency Associated with Pregnancy

Iron deficiency (ID) during pregnancy is a common and underdiagnosed condition with profound implications for both the mother and fetus. Maternal complication rates are doubled or tripled in these patients. The child born to an iron-deficient mother may have life-long neurodevelopmental deficiencies. Oral iron supplementation may not be effective for many of these patients. Intravenous iron infusions can significantly improve outcomes but are also associated with potentially serious complications. This instructional course has been designed to provide current conceptual and operational knowledge to healthcare professionals regarding ID/IDA associated with pregnancy. For the healthcare professional involved in the treatment of these patients, this course contains current practices for best patient outcomes.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the relationship between pregnancy and iron deficiency.
2. List at least 2 potential maternal and at least 2 potential fetal consequences of iron deficiency in pregnancy.
3. List at least 5 symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
4. Identify at least 3 parenteral iron preparations.
5. Demonstrate understanding of parenteral iron administration by recognizing the steps involved in its administration.
6. Recognize at least two potential complications of iron administration.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Iron Metabolism

• Iron Regulation
  • Hepcidin
  • Ferritin
  • Transferrin
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity
  • Transferrin Saturation

Chapter 3: Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

• Iron Ingestion
• Iron Absorption
• Iron Deficiency Symptoms
• Indication for Parenteral Iron Therapy

Chapter 4: Parenteral Iron Preparations

• Ferric carboxymaltose (Injectafer®)
• Ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit®)
• Ferumoxytol (Feraheme®)
• Iron sucrose (Venofer®)
• Low molecular weight iron dextran (INFeD®)
• Ferric pyrophosphate citrate (Triferic®)
• Ferric derisomaltose (Monoferric®)

Chapter 5: Administration

Chapter 6: Hypersensitivity Reactions

Chapter 7: Patient Education and Documentation

Chapter 8: References