Key result
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is linked to ~10% worse LV GLS versus non-anemic controls.
Why the study?
Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in pregnancy and may impair cardiovascular function, but data on strain echocardiography alterations in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia are limited.
Does iron deficiency anemia alter cardiac strain parameters in pregnant women?
Case-Control (n=80)
Single-blind
No
Does iron deficiency anemia alter cardiac strain parameters in pregnant women?
Effect estimate: Cohen's d -0.763
Absolute Event Rate: -17.46% vs -19.34%
p-value: p=0.001
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is associated with subclinical alterations in left and right ventricular strain, suggesting strain echocardiography could be useful for early detection of cardiac involvement.
Strain echocardiography may detect subclinical cardiac effects of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy; this case-control finding leaves open reversibility with repletion.
BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is highly prevalent in pregnancy and may impair cardiovascular function. Strain echocardiography can detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction, yet data on strain alterations in pregnant women with IDA are limited. METHODS: This prospective comparative study included 80 pregnant women in the second or third trimester: 40 with IDA and 40 without anemia. All participants underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, including left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) and right ventricular strain parameters. Laboratory iron indices were also assessed. RESULTS: LV GLS was significantly reduced in the IDA group compared with controls (- 17.46 ± 2.14% vs. -19.34 ± 2.74%, p = 0.001). Basal right ventricular free-wall strain was more negative in the IDA group (p = 0.032), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure was higher (p = 0.005). ROC analysis identified an LV GLS cut-off of - 20.55% for detecting subclinical cardiac dysfunction (AUC = 0.699, sensitivity = 90.0%, specificity = 70.0%). Iron indices showed significant correlations with multiple strain parameters. CONCLUSIONS: IDA in pregnancy is associated with subclinical alterations in left and right ventricular strain despite preserved ejection fraction. Strain echocardiography may be a valuable tool for early detection of cardiac involvement in anemic pregnant women.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Özbebek et al. (2025) conducted a case-control in Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy (n=80). Iron deficiency anemia vs. Non-anemic pregnant women was evaluated on Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (Cohen's d -0.763, p=0.001). Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women significantly reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain compared to non-anemic controls (-17.46% vs. -19.34%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: