Iron deficiency anaemia in a rural area in Nigeria. Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment with imferon.

In 32 pregnant women with packed cell volume (PCV) of 30% or less (Hb 10 g/100 ml or below), iron depletion was present in 87.5% and megaloblastic changes in 84.5% as judged by bone marrow findings. Parenteral iron gave statistically significant rise in the PCV (p less than 0.001) in those who received iron therapy compared with control group with no iron therapy. Routine iron administration during pregnancy is therefore indicated in this population.