Comparative Study of Hypochromic Microcytic Anaemia in Primigravida and Multigravida in Interior Sindh

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of hypochromic microcytic anaemia commonly due to iron deficiency in 
female primigravida and multigravida patients. This also entails comparing both groups in the context of 
hemoglobin, MCV and RDW as study tools. 
Study Design: Cross sectional analytical study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics Department, Peoples Medical College 
Nawabshah from July 2008 to Oct 2008. 
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 200 women (100 primigravida & 100 
multigravida) with anaemia in their third trimester of pregnancy attending the Obstetrics Department, Peoples 
Medical College Nawabshah from July 2008 to Oct 2008. Hemoglobin, MCV and RDW levels were assessed in all 
cases.  Data was analyzed using SPSS and students t test was used for evaluation of significance  
Results: Mean Haemoglobin+SD in Primigravida(Group A, n=100) and Multigravida(Group B, n=100) were 
7.85+1.33 and 6.26+1.65 with ranges 3.1-10.9 and 3.2-10.4 gm/dl respectively. Mean MCV+SD  in Group A and B 
were 63.95 + 4.71 and 62.08 + 4.97 with ranges 54.4-73.7 and 48.2 -73.7 fl respectively. Mean Red Cell 
Distribution Width (RDW, SD)+SD in Group A and B of anaemic patient were 19.83+3.05 and 21.31+3.32 with 
ranges 14.0-27.4 and 14.0-29.2 x 10 3 /µl respectively. The results were significant in both groups.  
Conclusions: In Interior Sindh both primigravida and multigravida females are at high risk of developing iron 
deficiency anaemia and more so in multigravida.  
Recommendations: Aggressive health measures need to be taken to control this major public health problem in 
Interior Sindh in particular and in the country as a whole especially in remote areas by promotion of regular 
consumption of food rich in iron and folates. The identification and treatment of severely anaemic patients with 
provision of iron supplement, improving personal hygiene, pure water supply and early antenatal diagnosis and 
follow up can decrease the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women nationally and internationally. Need of the 
days remains the preparation and implementation of national nutrition plan with a special emphasis of controlling 
iron deficiency anemia during pregnancies.