Diagnostic test accuracy of serum ferritin and prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant and menstruating individuals: A systematic review and meta analysis
Systematic review reveals varying diagnostic accuracy of serum ferritin for iron deficiency in pregnant and menstruating individuals, suggesting the need for better cut-offs.
Key Points
Assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum ferritin for iron deficiency in pregnant and menstruating individuals and determine prevalence rates.
Conducted systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on diagnostic test accuracy and prevalence of iron deficiency.
Included studies on serum ferritin levels and outcomes in pregnant and menstruating individuals over age 12.
Data were analyzed according to serum ferritin thresholds, trimesters, and adjusted for inflammation.
128 studies included in final analysis; noted variations in sensitivity and specificity at different ferritin cut-offs.
Pooled prevalence of iron deficiency was 38% in pregnant individuals, with higher rates in later trimesters.
Overall prevalence of 27% in menstruating individuals, with significant adjustments for inflammation.