Assessment of Serum Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Levels in Pregnant Women with Anaemia in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in pregnancy and a major contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating targeted iron status assessment. This study assessed serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and ferritin levels in pregnant women with anaemia attending the antenatal clinic of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 160 pregnant anaemic women, defined by haemoglobin below 11 g/dL, and 60 non-anaemic pregnant controls. Fasting venous blood was collected for determination of serum iron by colorimetric method, TIBC by spectrophotometry, and ferritin by ELISA. Haemoglobin and red cell indices were measured on an automated analyser. Iron deficiency anaemia was the predominant type, accounting for 61.3% of all anaemia. Serum iron was significantly lower in anaemic women, while TIBC was elevated. Serum ferritin below 12 micrograms per litre was the most sensitive marker of iron depletion, found in 73.8% of iron-deficient anaemic women. Multigravidae and women in the third trimester had the most severe iron depletion. Low dietary iron intake and short inter-pregnancy intervals were significant contributing factors. The study recommends early iron supplementation, dietary counselling, and routine iron status testing at booking and repeat visits for all pregnant women in Kebbi State. Keywords: iron deficiency anaemia, pregnancy, serum ferritin, TIBC, Kebbi State