Table 12 Impact of antenatal iron supplementation on stillbirth and perinatal mortality

Pena-Rosas and Viteri 2006 [86]

Ireland.

Meta-analysis (Cochrane). 2 RCTs included (N = 145 women).

To assess the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of routine antenatal daily or intermittent iron supplementation with (intervention) or without (control) folic acid during pregnancy on the health of mothers and newborns.

PMR: RR = 2.50 (95% CI: 0.10, 59.88) [NS]

[1/77 vs. 0/68 in intervention vs. control groups, respectively]

Reveiz et al. 2007 [91]

Tanzania.

Review (Cochrane). 1 RCT included.

Administered two-thirds dose intravenous (IV) iron vs. full dose IV iron by total dose infusion.

SBR: RR = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.25–1.93) [NS]

[6/248 vs. 9/259 in 2/3^rd dose vs. full dose groups, respectively]

Intervention studies

Menendez et al. 1994 [92]

The Gambia. Rural community-based trial.

RCT. 18 villages near Farafenni, North Bank Division. N = 273 intervention group, N = 277 control group.

Multigravid pregnant women who had been identified previously by TBAs were allocated at random by compound of residence to receive daily either 200 mg oral FeSO4 (60 mg elemental iron) or placebo.

SBR: 8/273 (2.9%) vs. 12/277 (4.3%) in intervention vs. control groups, respectively. No statistical data.