Cardiac Functional Changes on Echocardiography in Third-Trimester Pregnancies Complicated by Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Case–Control Study
Keywords:
Iron deficiency anemia; Pregnancy; Third trimester; Echocardiography; Cardiac function; Left ventricular function; Diastolic dysfunction; Cardiac output; Maternal hemodynamicsAbstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is highly prevalent during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, and is associated with significant hemodynamic changes. These alterations may impact maternal cardiac function, which can be effectively assessed using echocardiography. This study aimed to evaluate cardiac functional changes in third-trimester pregnancies complicated by IDA.
Methodology:
A hospital-based case–control study was conducted among 100 third-trimester pregnant women, including 50 cases with IDA and 50 age- and gestational age-matched healthy controls. IDA was diagnosed based on hemoglobin <11 g/dL with low serum ferritin. All participants underwent detailed clinical evaluation and transthoracic echocardiography. Parameters assessed included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS), stroke volume, cardiac output, diastolic indices (E/A ratio, deceleration time, IVRT), and ventricular dimensions. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.