postpartum anaemia

Question 1

What is postpartum anaemia?

Answer 1

Hb of less than 100g/l in the postpartum period which is common after delivery due to acute blood loss

Question 2

When is an FBC done?

Answer 2

The day after delivery if there has been:
- PPH over 500ml
- C section
- Antenatal anaemia
- Symptoms of anaemia

Question 3

What is the treatment for postpartum anaemia?

Answer 3

Hb under 100g/l- start oral iron
Hb under 90g/l- consider iron infusion in addition to oral iron
Hb under 70g/l- blood transfusion in addition to oral iron

Question 4

When else is iron infusion considered?

Answer 4

May have poor adherence or oral treatment
Cannot tolerate oral iron
Fail to respond to oral iron
Cannot absorb oral iron

Question 5

What is a contraindication to an iron infusion?

Answer 5

Active infection as many pathogens can ‘feed’ on the iron, leading to proliferation of the pathogen and worsening infection

Have to wait till the infection is treated before giving an iron infusion