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Bellad MB, Patted A, Derman RJ. Is It Time to Alter the Standard of Care for Iron Deficiency/Iron Deficiency Anemia in Reproductive-Age Women? Biomedicines 2024; 12:278. [PMID: 38397880 PMCID: PMC10886917 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with reproductive-age women being disproportionately affected. Iron plays a crucial role in cellular function and impacts cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Oral iron supplementation has been the standard treatment for decades, often producing sub-optimal outcomes. Many babies are still being born with ID and suffer adverse sequelae due to inadequate iron levels in the mothers. Is it time to consider a broad scale-up of parenteral iron as a new standard of care?
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrutyunjaya B. Bellad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KAHER’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi 590010, Karnataka, India;
| | - Anmol Patted
- Department of Global Affairs, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Richard J. Derman
- Department of Global Affairs, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
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Munro MG, Mast AE, Powers JM, Kouides PA, O'Brien SH, Richards T, Lavin M, Levy BS. The relationship between heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:1-9. [PMID: 36706856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
For reproductive-aged women, the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding is highly prevalent and a major contributor to iron deficiency and its most severe manifestation, iron deficiency anemia. It is recognized that these 2 clinical entities are not only highly prevalent, but their interrelationship is poorly appreciated and frequently normalized by society, healthcare providers, and affected girls and women themselves. Both heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency, with or without anemia, adversely impact quality of life-heavy menstrual bleeding during the episodes of bleeding and iron deficiency on a daily basis. These combined issues adversely affect the lives of reproductive-aged girls and women of all ages, from menarche to menopause, and their often-insidious nature frequently leads to normalization. The effects on cognitive function and the related work and school absenteeism and presenteeism can undermine the efforts and function of women in all walks of life, be they students, educators, employers, or employees. There is also an increasing body of evidence that suggests that iron deficiency, even in early pregnancy, may adversely impact fetal neurodevelopment with enduring effects on a spectrum of cognitive and psychological disorders, critically important evidence that begs the normalization of iron stores in reproductive-aged women. The authors seek to raise individual, societal, and professional awareness of this underappreciated situation in a fashion that leads to meaningful and evidence-based changes in clinical guidance and healthcare policy directed at preventing, screening, diagnosing, and appropriately managing both disorders. This manuscript provides evidence supporting the need for action and describes the elements necessary to address this pervasive set of conditions that not only affect reproductive-aged girls and women but also the lives of children everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm G Munro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Alan E Mast
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jacquelyn M Powers
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX; Cancer and Hematology Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Peter A Kouides
- Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center, Rochester, NY; University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
| | - Sarah H O'Brien
- Center for Health Equity and Outcomes Research and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH; Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Blood and Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Toby Richards
- Division of Surgery, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michelle Lavin
- National Coagulation Centre, St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara S Levy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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3
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Vinogradova MA. Iron deficiency in women: ways to reduce prevalence. CONSILIUM MEDICUM 2022. [DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2022.7.201850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency states (IDSs) are common disorders at the nexus of various fields. The etiology and pathogenesis of IDSs have been well studied in recent decades, but their prevalence is still high. The highest incidence of IDSs is reported in women of reproductive age. The timely correction of iron deficiency improves women's quality of life and reduces pregnancy complications and infant morbidity. To achieve and maintain the improvement, caution in risk groups, early diagnosis, physiology-based therapy, and follow-up are necessary. Iron sulfate agents are well known as an effective way to treat iron deficiency anemia. However, the high rate of previously reported side effects posed significant challenges to the complete course of therapy. The development of a new molecule with prolonged iron release minimizes the complications of therapy, providing new prospects for iron deficiency treatment. The combination of folic acid to iron sulfate in one tablet simplifies prevention regimens and therapy for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant and reduces the time to improve.
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Alateeq AM, Alshammari HA, Alsaif AM. Iron Deficiency Anemia With a Life-Threatening Low Hemoglobin Level. Cureus 2021; 13:e20150. [PMID: 34909345 PMCID: PMC8651153 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) accounts for roughly half of all anemia cases globally. Menorrhagia and menstrual cycle disorders render women of childbearing age more prone to IDA. One of the leading causes of menorrhagia is uterine fibroids (leiomyomas), which are defined as hyperplastic, usually benign, overgrowths of uterine wall muscle and connective tissue. This is a case report of a 45-year-old woman who came to the emergency department complaining of progressive fatigue and dizziness for two months. She was admitted as a case of life-threatening IDA with a hemoglobin level of 3.0 g/dL. She was ambulatory and hemodynamically stable without any features of severe anemia. Pelvic ultrasound was performed and revealed uterine fibroids. After partial correction of the anemia, she underwent a total hysterectomy as a definitive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman M Alateeq
- Family Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | | | - Abdulmalik M Alsaif
- Family Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
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Chai AL, Huang OY, Rakočević R, Chung P. Critical iron deficiency anemia with record low hemoglobin: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:472. [PMID: 34517883 PMCID: PMC8439022 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-03024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anemia is a serious global health problem that affects individuals of all ages but particularly women of reproductive age. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common causes of anemia seen in women, with menstruation being one of the leading causes. Excessive, prolonged, and irregular uterine bleeding, also known as menometrorrhagia, can lead to severe anemia. In this case report, we present a case of a premenopausal woman with menometrorrhagia leading to severe iron deficiency anemia with record low hemoglobin. Case presentation A 42-year-old Hispanic woman with no known past medical history presented with a chief complaint of increasing fatigue and dizziness for 2 weeks. Initial vitals revealed temperature of 36.1 °C, blood pressure 107/47 mmHg, heart rate 87 beats/minute, respiratory rate 17 breaths/minute, and oxygen saturation 100% on room air. She was fully alert and oriented without any neurological deficits. Physical examination was otherwise notable for findings typical of anemia, including: marked pallor with pale mucous membranes and conjunctiva, a systolic flow murmur, and koilonychia of her fingernails. Her initial laboratory results showed a critically low hemoglobin of 1.4 g/dL and severe iron deficiency. After further diagnostic workup, her profound anemia was likely attributed to a long history of menometrorrhagia, and her remarkably stable presentation was due to impressive, years-long compensation. Over the course of her hospital stay, she received blood transfusions and intravenous iron repletion. Her symptoms of fatigue and dizziness resolved by the end of her hospital course, and she returned to her baseline ambulatory and activity level upon discharge. Conclusions Critically low hemoglobin levels are typically associated with significant symptoms, physical examination findings, and hemodynamic instability. To our knowledge, this is the lowest recorded hemoglobin in a hemodynamically stable patient not requiring cardiac or supplemental oxygen support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Chai
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Owen Y Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rastko Rakočević
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Chung
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Qi X, Zhang Y, Guo H, Hai Y, Luo Y, Yue T. Mechanism and intervention measures of iron side effects on the intestine. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2113-2125. [PMID: 31232087 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1630599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Excess oral iron in the intestinal tract usually produces reactive oxygen species via Fenton and Haber-Weiss reaction, so oxidative stress is triggered. Lipid peroxidation procedurally appears, ferroptosis, apoptosis and necrosis are often induced, subsequently, mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction and even cell death occur. As a result, the intestinal epithelial cells are destroyed, leading to the incompleteness of intestinal mechanical barrier. Simultaneously, iron supplement can change the compositions and metabolic processes of intestinal microbes, and the intestinal inflammatory may be worsened. In principle, the easier dissociation of Fe2+ from oral iron supplements is, the more serious intestinal inflammation will occur. Fortunately, some interventions have been developed to alleviate these side effects. For instance, some antioxidants e.g. VE and ferulic acid have been used to prevent the formation of free radicals or to neutralize the formed free radicals. Furthermore, some new iron supplements with the ability of slow-releasing Fe2+, e.g. ferrous citrate liposome and EDTA iron sodium, have been successfully prepared. In order to recover the intestinal micro-ecological balance, probiotics and prebiotics, bacterial consortium transplantation, and fecal microbiota transplantation have been developed. This study is meaningful for us to develop safer oral iron supplements and to maintain intestinal micro-ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanxiao Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hang Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Hai
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yane Luo
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianli Yue
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products (Yangling), Beijing, China
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Estadella J, Villamarín L, Feliu A, Perelló J, Calaf J. Characterization of the population with severe iron deficiency anemia at risk of requiring intravenous iron supplementation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Rosa L, Cutone A, Lepanto MS, Paesano R, Valenti P. Lactoferrin: A Natural Glycoprotein Involved in Iron and Inflammatory Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:1985. [PMID: 28914813 PMCID: PMC5618634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091985&n948647=v984776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human lactoferrin (hLf), an iron-binding multifunctional cationic glycoprotein secreted by exocrine glands and by neutrophils, is a key element of host defenses. HLf and bovine Lf (bLf), possessing high sequence homology and identical functions, inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm dependently from iron binding ability while, independently, bacterial adhesion to and the entry into cells. In infected/inflamed host cells, bLf exerts an anti-inflammatory activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), thus up-regulating ferroportin (Fpn) and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and down-regulating ferritin (Ftn), pivotal actors of iron and inflammatory homeostasis (IIH). Consequently, bLf inhibits intracellular iron overload, an unsafe condition enhancing in vivo susceptibility to infections, as well as anemia of inflammation (AI), re-establishing IIH. In pregnant women, affected by AI, bLf oral administration decreases IL-6 and increases hematological parameters. This surprising effect is unrelated to iron supplementation by bLf (80 μg instead of 1-2 mg/day), but to its role on IIH. AI is unrelated to the lack of iron, but to iron delocalization: cellular/tissue overload and blood deficiency. BLf cures AI by restoring iron from cells to blood through Fpn up-expression. Indeed, anti-inflammatory activity of oral and intravaginal bLf prevents preterm delivery. Promising bLf treatments can prevent/cure transitory inflammation/anemia/oral pathologies in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Paesano
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Rosa L, Cutone A, Lepanto MS, Paesano R, Valenti P. Lactoferrin: A Natural Glycoprotein Involved in Iron and Inflammatory Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1985. [PMID: 28914813 PMCID: PMC5618634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lactoferrin (hLf), an iron-binding multifunctional cationic glycoprotein secreted by exocrine glands and by neutrophils, is a key element of host defenses. HLf and bovine Lf (bLf), possessing high sequence homology and identical functions, inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm dependently from iron binding ability while, independently, bacterial adhesion to and the entry into cells. In infected/inflamed host cells, bLf exerts an anti-inflammatory activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), thus up-regulating ferroportin (Fpn) and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and down-regulating ferritin (Ftn), pivotal actors of iron and inflammatory homeostasis (IIH). Consequently, bLf inhibits intracellular iron overload, an unsafe condition enhancing in vivo susceptibility to infections, as well as anemia of inflammation (AI), re-establishing IIH. In pregnant women, affected by AI, bLf oral administration decreases IL-6 and increases hematological parameters. This surprising effect is unrelated to iron supplementation by bLf (80 μg instead of 1-2 mg/day), but to its role on IIH. AI is unrelated to the lack of iron, but to iron delocalization: cellular/tissue overload and blood deficiency. BLf cures AI by restoring iron from cells to blood through Fpn up-expression. Indeed, anti-inflammatory activity of oral and intravaginal bLf prevents preterm delivery. Promising bLf treatments can prevent/cure transitory inflammation/anemia/oral pathologies in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Paesano
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Severe anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding requires heightened attention. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:97.e1-97.e6. [PMID: 25935784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze the behaviors of women that resulted in menstrually related severe anemia (hemoglobin <5 g/dL) from a single public hospital serving indigent women. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of all women identified as having been treated at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for excessive menstruation (International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, codes 285.9, 6256.2) and hemoglobin values less than 5 g/dL in the 6 years from 2008 to 2013. RESULTS Approvals were obtained from the Human Subjects and Research Committees. This search identified 271 women with those 2 diagnoses; 122 were excluded because their severe anemia had nonmenstrual causes. The remaining 149 women had 168 episodes with hemoglobin levels below 5 g/dL attributed to chronic excessive menstrual bleeding. Mean age was 41 years (range, 19-55 years). Mean body mass index was 28.9 kg/m(2) (range, 18-57 kg/m(2)); 58.2% were actively bleeding at presentation, and 90.4% reported chronic excessive blood loss. Two thirds recognized heavy bleeding that had persisted for more than 6 months without seeking help. However, 7.8% described their bleeding as normal, and 40.5% had received at least 1 previous transfusion. Mean nadir hemoglobin was 4.15 g/dL (range, 1.6-4.9 g/dL). Mean corpuscular volume was 62.2 fL (range, 47.7-99.8 fL) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was 29.2 g/dL (range, 25.7-33.6 g/dL). Nearly a quarter had reactive thrombocytosis, which might have created a hypercoagulable state. Bleeding was ultimately attributed to leiomyoma in 47.9%; cancer was detected in 4.8%. A total of 33.9% were discharged without being offered any therapy to prevent subsequent bleeding; 3.0% declined any medical therapy; 35.1% were lost to follow-up prior to receiving effective therapy; and 26.8% had multiple subsequent transfusions before seeking/receiving definitive treatments. CONCLUSION Even when faced with potentially life-threatening anemia because of chronic, excessive menstrual blood loss, some women are not impressed with the serious nature of their problem. Women will benefit from recognizing the health consequences of chronic excessive blood loss. Chronic excessive blood loss should be treated as both an urgent and potentially recurrent problem; physicians should address this clinical concern proactively.
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Abstract
Adolescence has been described as period of life when emotions are heightened and regulatory controls are reduced, and this can result in an escalation in risk-taking. Importantly for younger females, risk behaviors associated with the onset of sexual activity, and alcohol and substance abuse may coincide with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and abnormal uterine bleeding, an iron-deficient diet (vegetarian or vegan) and a negative body image leading to eating disorders. Girls transitioning through adolescence face a number of specific emotional and physical issues related to the onset of menarche and regular menstrual cycles. Menstruation combined with these risk behaviors and pathologies, and the rapid growth and development that is taking place, often results in numerous unwanted effects including iron deficiency. A low iron level is the most common cause of anemia in adolescent girls and can be detrimental to mood and cognition as well as physical well-being. In this article we review the impact of menarche, poor nutrition and some of the risk behaviors and pathologies that predispose females to challenges associated with adolescence, including anemia. We also examine factors that need to be taken into consideration during the initial, and follow-up, consultations with young women. Finally, we present some of the latest advice regarding nutrition and oral iron supplementation, particularly extended-release ferrous sulfate with mucoproteose, with a view to minimizing the development and risks of anemia in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Bitzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Basel , Switzerland
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Paesano R, Natalizi T, Berlutti F, Valenti P. Body iron delocalization: the serious drawback in iron disorders in both developing and developed countries. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 106:200-16. [PMID: 23265420 DOI: 10.1179/2047773212y.0000000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 2 billion people in both developing as well as developed countries - over 30% of the world's population - are anaemic. With the classical preconception that oral iron administration or the intake of foods rich in iron increase haemoglobin concentration and reduce the prevalence of anaemia, specific programs have been designed, but iron supplementations have been less effective than expected. Of note, this hazardous simplification on iron status neglects its distribution in the body. The correct balance of iron, defined iron homeostasis, involves a physiological ratio of iron between tissues/secretions and blood, thus avoiding its delocalization as iron accumulation in tissues/secretions and iron deficiency in blood. Changes in iron status can affect the inflammatory response in multiple ways, particularly in the context of infection, an idea that is worth remembering when considering the value of iron supplementation in areas of the world where infections are highly prevalent. The enhanced availability of free iron can increase susceptibility and severity of microbial and parasitic infections. The discovery of the hepcidin-ferroportin (Fpn) complex, which greatly clarified the enigmatic mechanism that supervises the iron homeostasis, should prompt to a critical review on iron supplementation, ineffective on the expression of the most important proteins of iron metabolism. Therefore, it is imperative to consider new safe and efficient therapeutic interventions to cure iron deficiency (ID) and ID anaemia (IDA) associated or not to the inflammation. In this respect, lactoferrin (Lf) is emerging as an important regulator of both iron and inflammatory homeostasis. Oral administration of Lf in subjects suffering of ID and IDA is safe and effective in significantly increasing haematological parameters and contemporary decreasing serum IL-6 levels, thus restoring iron localization through the direct or indirect modulation of hepcidin and ferroportin synthesis. Of note, the nuclear localization of Lf suggests that this molecule may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of some genes of host inflammatory response. We recently also reported that combined administration of oral and intravaginal Lf on ID and IDA pregnant women with preterm delivery threat, significantly increased haematological parameters, reduced IL-6 levels in both serum and cervicovaginal fluid, cervicovaginal prostaglandin PGF2α, and suppressed uterine contractility. Moreover, Lf combined administration blocked further the shortening of cervical length and the increase of foetal fibronectin, thus prolonging the length of pregnancy until the 37th-38th week of gestation. These new Lf functions effective in curing ID and IDA through the restoring of iron and inflammatory homeostasis and in preventing preterm delivery, could have a great relevance in developing countries, where ID and IDA and inflammation-associated anaemia represent the major risk factors of preterm delivery and maternal and neonatal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Paesano
- Department of Woman Health and Territorial Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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