Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy and the postpartum: a practical approach by the Italian GOAL Working Group

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia represent global health issues, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum. The present paper aims to summarize the appropriate management of these conditions in order to try to improve how clinicians perceive, diagnose and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. METHODS: An expert panel of Italian obstetricians of Lazio region was convened to evaluate the available literature on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and the post-partum in order to try to define aflow chart on the appropriate management of such conditions; aspects related to the patient blood management have also been investigated. RESULTS: According to both hemoglobin level and ferritin values, five the flow charts on the appropriate management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia have been drawn. CONCLUSIONS: It is desired to define appropriate flow charts to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, which are too often not promptly diagnosed and managed, in order to try to improve antenatal care.