Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0021051 (immunodeficiency)
 71,517 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The aetiology of severe anaemia (haemoglobin less than 7.0 g dl-1) has been studied in 37 pregnant Zambians. Aetiology was usually multiple; 31 (84%) had Plasmodium falciparum malaria, 23 (62%) were folate deficient, 13 (35%) were iron deficient, one had sickle-cell anaemia and one had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Folate deficiency was most often secondary to malarial haemolysis: iron deficiency was nutritional, but hookworm was contributory in about one-third of patients. The anaemia of malaria and folate deficiency was both more common and more severe than anaemia due to iron deficiency; it was seen in younger women although primigravidae were not over-represented, it occurred earlier in pregnancy, and was associated with low birthweight. AIDS must now be included in the differential diagnosis of anaemia in pregnancy. Vigorous antimalarial treatment and prophylaxis are essential in the management and prevention of anaemia in pregnancy. Total dose iron infusion is indicated only when severe iron deficiency anaemia has been proven, and must be accompanied by antimalarial therapy and folic acid supplements. Because of the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, it is more important than ever to prevent anaemia and malaria in pregnancy, and to give blood transfusion only as a life-saving treatment.
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PMID:The aetiology of severe anaemia in pregnancy in Ndola, Zambia. 268 77

The relationship between asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was examined in anemic pregnant women from a population with high prevalence of both anemia (60%) and HIV seropositivity (30%). Sera from 155 pregnant women with Hb levels < 10.5 g/dL were tested for HIV status, C-reactive protein (CRP), vitamin B12, retinol, and folate levels. The observed prevalence of HIV seropositivity in the group of women with anemia was 47.1% (95% confidence interval=39.2-55.0%). This is significantly higher than the HIV prevalence in the whole population (30.1%; P < 0.001). Median Hb values in HIV-seropositive and -seronegative women with anemia were 8.40 g/dL and 8.95 g/dL, respectively. Serum retinol, vitamin B12, and folate levels were not significantly different in the HIV-seropositive and -seronegative groups. In women who were HIV-seropositive with normal levels of CRP, a median decrease in Hb of 0.4 g/dL was observed. For those with serum CRP levels > 25 mg/l, the median decrease in Hb was 0.7 g/dL. Results indicate that asymptomatic HIV infection is associated with increased prevalence and severity of anemia in pregnancy in this population.
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PMID:The relationship between asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection and the prevalence and severity of anemia in pregnant Malawian women. 988 14

An estimated 50% of pregnant women in Africa are anemic-- a condition that has been linked to intrauterine growth retardation, increased perinatal mortality, low birthweight, compromised immunity, and possible psychomotor and cognitive impairments. In tropical Africa, iron and folate deficiencies and malaria are the major causes of anemia in pregnancy. Iron deficiency anemia results from a combination of dietary insufficiency, excessive requirements associated with multiparity, and chronic blood loss from hookworm infestation. An essential component of maternal-child health services in Africa is prevention of anemia and therapeutic management once severe anemia is documented. Since 35% of nonpregnant African women are anemic, many women will enter pregnancy with inadequate iron stores. Thus, the prophylactic dose of iron should be at least 120 mg/day rather than the usual 60 mg dose. Unfortunately, increased dosages of iron increase the side effects of constipation and nausea, so careful counseling is necessary to ensure compliance. Folic acid, which has no side effects, should be administered in doses of 1.5 mg/day. To reduce the risk of malaria, a therapeutic dose of chloroquine should be administered at the 1st prenatal visit (600 mg for 2 days and 300 mg on the 3rd day) followed by proguanil (100 mg/day) until delivery. In cases where anemia persists or emerges, the iron dose should be increased to 200 mg of ferrous sulfate 3 time/day (180 m,g of elemental iron) and 5 mg of folic acid should be provided. Blood transfusion should be used sparingly and only in severe cases, given the risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.
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PMID:Towards a more effective management of pregnancy related anaemias in Africa. 1231 81