Impact of Iron Status on Phagocytic Lytic Index in Egyptian Pregnant Females

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common disorders worldwide. In pregnant women it is mainly due to increased iron requirements. Several biomarkers are used to evaluate the iron status. Some are viewed as pseudomarkers e.g. Hb while others like ferritin are still seen as good. The impact of iron insufficiency is not limited to developing anemia but also affects the immune system. Iron is incorporated in some enzymes e.g. cytochrome oxidase and is necessary for the activity of myeloperoxidase enzyme, the latter is responsible for bactericidal functions of neutrophils. Iron deficiency during pregnancy has its effects on both mother and fetus. Changes in the immune response during normal pregnancy are still poorly understood and there seems to be an increased susceptibility to infection. This study aimed to evaluate the iron status among Egyptian pregnant women and the effect of iron deiciency on their neutrophil count and functions including its phagocytic activity.