Gestational anemia and physiological decrease in hemoglobin in women living at high altitudes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35319/conr.20268146Keywords:
Gestational anemia, high-altitude hemoglobin, multiparity, clinical factors, maternal-fetal healthAbstract
Gestational anemia is a public health problem, especially in high-altitude contexts, where hemoglobin levels present relevant physiological variations. Monitoring their evolution during pregnancy allows us to identify hematological changes and guide timely interventions. The objective was to analyze the variation of hemoglobin levels between the first and third trimester, its association with clinical factors and obstetric history in pregnant women treated in comprehensive health centers of District 1 of the city of El Alto, Bolivia, management 2024. A quantitative, observational, longitudinal and analytical study was carried out, based on the retrospective review of medical records. A total of 251 complete records with hemoglobin records were included. An average decrease of 0.59 g dL-1 was observed between the first and third trimesters (p < 0.05), along with an increase in the prevalence of anemia from 62.2 to 83.3 % (p <0.05). The hematological classification showed an increase mainly in the moderate category. No statistically significant association was identified between the presence of anemia and maternal age, body mass index, interreproductive period, history of miscarriage, or diagnosis of genitourinary infection. The results refer to a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy in women living at high altitude, compatible with the expected physiological decrease, but accompanied by a high prevalence of anemia according to altitude-adjusted cut-off points. It is recommended to reinforce prenatal control and adjust diagnostic cut-off points considering altitude, to improve the identification and management of anemia in high-altitude pregnant women.
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