Conclusion
Study results revealed a high prevalence of LID in early pregnancy with
one fourth of the sample having ferritin levels in the iron deficiency
region. The presence of raised RDW, hypochromic microcytic red cells,
and pencil cells acted as indicators of LID. It is recommended that to
identify pregnant women with LID, blood film, Hb level, and RDW could be
measured as basic screening tests. Serum ferritin test could be
recommended as an affirmative follow-up.
The step-wise testing suggested in
this study is a cost-effective procedure, especially suitable for
resource-strapped obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in developing
countries.