SERUM FERRITIN AND HAEMATOLOGICAL LEVELS IN NON-PREGNANT AND PREGNANT WOMEN

BACKGROUNDAnaemia during pregnancy is considered as an established risk factor for both mother and foetus.Serum ferritin is the most sensitive parameter of negative iron balance, as it decreases only in the presence of true iron deficiency as with transferrin saturation. AIMS AND OBJECTIVESThe aim of the present study was to compare the normal serum ferritin levels and haematological parameters between nonpregnant women and pregnant women in all three trimesters. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study was conducted on 20-30 years aged pregnant and non-pregnant women, who were above upper class.Serum Ferritin, Haemoglobin, Blood Indices, RBC tests were done at central laboratory in ASRAM College, Eluru, A.P. Serum ferritin test was done by using UBI MAGIWEL Enzyme immunoassay ferritin kit, on ELISYS-UNO instrument.We excluded diabetic, obese and any chronic disordered women.Height and weight were measured with the subject in light clothes without shoes and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as kg/m 2 .Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel 2010.ANOVA and T test were done to analyse data. RESULTSSerum ferritin levels were significantly lower in 2 nd trimester of pregnancy and we observed increase in serum ferritin levels in 3 rd trimester of pregnancy.These results indicate fall in MCV, MCH and MCHC showed a linear correlation with serum ferritin level.Serum ferritin levels were higher in non-pregnant woman, but decreased during three trimesters of pregnancy.Thus, it is proved serum ferritin levels decreases during pregnancy even in above upper class women. CONCLUSIONIn our study, we observed decrease in serum ferritin levels.Decrease in serum ferritin levels were the better indicator of iron deficiency anaemia.Iron deficiency anaemia may be due to improper food supplementation during pregnancy period, lack of meeting dietician and improper diet.