Diagnosing Thalassemia in Pregnancy

It has long been considered that iron deficiency does not exist in Thalassemia syndromes, including Thalassemia major as well as Trait (Thal minor). But that is incorrect. Recent studies have shown the occurrence of iron deficiency in patients with Beta-Thalassemia Trait. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and perinatal mortality and should be treated with iron supplementation in addition to prenatal vitamins. However, patients with Beta-Thalassemias have been considered to be at risk of iron overload due to alterations in function of hepcidin. So, can pregnant women with Beta-Thalassemia Trait, found on hemoglobinopathy screening, take oral iron supplementation for concomitant iron deficiency anemia? That’s a big question, and we’re going to answer it in this episode!