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Towards a more effective management of pregnancy related anaemias in Africa.


 An estimated 50% of pregnant women in Africa are anemic-- a condition that has been linked to intrauterine growth retardation, increased perinatal mortality, low birthweight, compromised immunity, and possible psychomotor and cognitive impairments. In tropical Africa, iron and folate deficiencies and malaria are the major causes of anemia in pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia results from a combination of dietary insufficiency, excessive requirements associated with multiparity, and chronic blood loss from hookworm infestation. An essential component of maternal-child health services in Africa is prevention of anemia and therapeutic management once severe anemia is documented. Since 35% of nonpregnant African women are anemic, many women will enter pregnancy with inadequate iron stores. Thus, the prophylactic dose of iron should be at least 120 mg/day rather than the usual 60 mg dose. Unfortunately, increased dosages of iron increase the side effects of constipation and nausea, so careful counseling is necessary to ensure compliance. Folic acid, which has no side effects, should be administered in doses of 1.5 mg/day. To reduce the risk of malaria, a therapeutic dose of chloroquine should be administered at the 1st prenatal visit (600 mg for 2 days and 300 mg on the 3rd day) followed by proguanil (100 mg/day) until delivery. In cases where anemia persists or emerges, the iron dose should be increased to 200 mg of ferrous sulfate 3 time/day (180 m,g of elemental iron) and 5 mg of folic acid should be provided. Blood transfusion should be used sparingly and only in severe cases, given the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.
