Effect of inter-pregnancy interval on serum ferritin, haematocrit and pregnancy outcome in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Available information remains limited on inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) and its effect on maternal health and pregnancy outcome.Objectives: To determine the effect of IPI on maternal serum ferritin, haematocrit and pregnancy outcome.Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study of 316 women categorized into WHO recommended IPI of >= 24 months (group I) and IPI <24 months i.e. short IPI (SIPI) as group II after matching for gestational age and social status. Serum ferritin and haematocrit levels were assayed in first and second trimesters; primary outcome measures were maternal serum ferritin, hae- matocrit and pregnancy outcome gestational age at delivery, birth and placental weights, APGAR scores and neonatal intensive admission). Participants were followed up until six-week post-delivery. Data analysis was with SPSS version 21.0; p<0.05 was significant.Results: Women in group I had higher mean serum ferritin (37.40 +/- 3.15 vs. 32.61 +/- 2.68; P<0.001), booking haematocrit (33.24 +/- 3.59 vs. 27.92 +/- 2.67; P<0.001) and mean birth weight (3100 +/- 310 vs. 2700 +/- 350; P<0.001). Antenatal hospital admission (P0.002), preterm delivery (P<0.001) and neonatal intensive care admission (P<0.001) were higher for group II. There was no maternal mortality; perinatal mortality was zero (group I) and 95/1000 livebirth (group II).Conclusion: Low serum ferritin, haematocrit and adverse neonatal outcomes were associated with SIPI.