PhD Oral Defence: Interpretation of maternal and fetal biomarkers in a population of pregnant indigenous women with coexisting nutrient de9iciencies and infections
PhD Oral Defence of Doris Gonzalez, Human Nutrition
Detection of adverse pregnancy outcomes is challenging in remote settings, where multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation (MINDI) usually co-occur. To evaluate risk of adverse outcomes in rural Panama (anemia/iron deficiency poorly responsive to iron supplements, risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and poor fetal growth), we recruited 213 pregnant women attending routine follow-up in a cross-sectional study. Data on maternal and environmental risk factors, anthropometry, symphysis-fundal height (SFH) and clinically and laboratory detected infections were collected; hematological indicators, biomarkers of inflammation (Creactive protein CRP, hepcidin and cytokines), iron and protein status, and micronutrients (folic acid, vitamins B12, A and D) were measured. Novel findings emerged.