EC Gynaecology

Uterine sarcoma is significantly rarer than leiomyoma and has poor prognosis. Moreover, leiomyosarcoma is difficult to be diagnosed due to its symptoms, including pelvic pain, uterine mass, and/or uterine bleeding, are very similar to those of leiomyoma. There are a few cases of leiomyosarcoma wherein leiomyoma was treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE). We describe a case of a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma 3 months after undergoing UAE for multiple leiomyomas.

 Keywords: Leiomyoma; Uterine Sarcoma; Leiomyosarcoma; Uterine Artery Embolization

Introduction: Maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent condition during pregnancy associated with negative perinatal outcomes, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW). This study investigates the correlation between maternal iron deficiency anemia and these outcomes in a tertiary care environment within Dubai Health Centers.

Methodology: This retrospective observational study examined the electronic medical records of pregnant women who received antenatal care and delivered at a tertiary hospital within Dubai Health facilities from June 1, 2020, to December 30, 2022. Women exhibiting hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL during the third trimester (28 - 40 weeks) were categorized as having iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The study evaluated birth outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW), to determine its correlation with maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Results: The study encompassed records of women with mild anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) and moderate anemia (hemoglobin < 9 g/dL). A notable correlation was identified between maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and birth weight (P = 0.041), indicating that infants born to mothers with mild anemia were more likely to achieve normal birth weight than those born to mothers with intermediate anemia. Nonetheless, no substantial changes were observed in the prevalence of IUGR, gestational age at birth (P = 0.149), or fetal scan outcomes (P = 0.233).

Conclusion: Maternal iron deficiency anemia, especially its severity, affects birth weight but does not impact gestational age or intrauterine growth restriction outcomes in well-managed healthcare environments. Thorough prenatal care, encompassing the early detection and therapy of iron deficiency anemia, is essential for enhancing pregnancy outcomes. Additional research is required to investigate the long-term impacts of maternal iron deficiency anemia on neonatal health.

 Keywords: Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia; Intrauterine Growth Restriction; Low Birth Weight; Third Trimester; Pregnancy Outcomes; Anemia Severity; Antenatal Care; Dubai Health Facilities; Retrospective Study; Fetal Growth