The effect of chronic intestinal parasitic infection on maternal and perinatal outcome

The main objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and maternal-perinatal consequences of chronic asymptomatic intestinal parasitic infection during pregnancy. Prenatal patients (n=91) attending a public clinic in Quito, Ecuador, were followed during...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 52; no. 1; p. 9
Main Authors:	Weigel, M M, Calle, A, Armijos, R X, Vega, I P, Bayas, B V, Montenegro, C E
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-01-1996
Subjects:	Adult Anemia, Iron-Deficiency - epidemiology Animals Chronic Disease Ecuador - epidemiology Entamoeba histolytica Female Fetal Growth Retardation - epidemiology Humans Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - complications Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - epidemiology Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic - parasitology Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - epidemiology Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - parasitology Pregnancy Outcome Prospective Studies Risk Factors Socioeconomic Factors Ecuador
Online Access:	Get more information
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	The main objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and maternal-perinatal consequences of chronic asymptomatic intestinal parasitic infection during pregnancy. Prenatal patients (n=91) attending a public clinic in Quito, Ecuador, were followed during the third trimester. Intestinal parasitic, nutritional status, sociodemographic/sanitation indicators and fetal outcome data were collected and analyzed using multivariate ANOVA and regression techniques. Most subjects (93%) were infected with at least one species of pathogenic intestinal parasite: 88% with Entamoeba histolytica. Greater parasite burdens were associated with poorer maternal iron status and reduced fetal growth. In particular, a high E. histolytica load was associated with decreased maternal serum hemoglobin (P=0.002) and hematocrit levels (P=0.01), iron deficiency anemia (P=0.026), and indicators of diminished intrauterine growth including a decreased ponderal index (P=0.04), mid-arm circumference (P=0.01), and mid-arm/head circumference ratio (P=0.003). Asymptomatic intestinal parasitic infection represents a hidden risk factor for maternal iron deficiency anemia and fetal growth retardation.
ISSN:	0020-7292
DOI:	10.1016/0020-7292(95)02442-5