Iron Deficiency Anaemia in a Rural Area in Nigeria

Oluboyede, O. A. and Ogunbode, O. (Depts. of Haematology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria). Iron deficiency anaemia in a rural area in Nigeria. Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment with Imferon. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 529–532, 1976. In 32 pregnant women with packed cell volume (PCV) of 30% or less (Hb 10 g/100 ml or below), iron depletion was present in 87.5% and megaloblastic changes in 84.5% as judged by bone marrow findings. Parenteral iron gave statistically significant rise in the PCV (p<0.001) in those who received iron therapy compared with control group with no iron therapy. Routine iron administration during pregnancy is therefore indicated in this population.