The application of antenatal MgSO4 in preterm delivery increased cord blood BDNF levels, which could have a potential role on fetal neuroprotection. Further investigation is needed.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women is common, and iron supplementation is given during pregnancy to reduce birth complication. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of anemia and type of anemia after iron supplementation among pregnant women in the eastern part of Indonesia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted between January and March 2019 in three Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities at Kupang, West Timor. After consent, pregnant women who had taken their iron supplementation for at least 3 months were asked for iron pills intake by using a self-designed questionnaire and by counting the pills leftover. Complete blood count examination was performed, and the type of anemia was assessed using Shine and Lal index (SLI; MCV ∗ MCV ∗ MCH/100) to determine whether anemia was due to iron deficiency or β-thalassemia trait (β-TT). In a subset of iron tablets distributed in the PHCs, Fe-concentration was measured. Results Of 102 pregnant women included, only 25.5% had taken the pills with a pill count of >80%. Interestingly, Fe-concentration in the pills from three different PHC facilities varied between 75% and 100%. After iron supplementation, however, anemia was detected in 34.3%, and based on SLI, 14.7% was suspected because of iron deficiency and 19.6% was suspective of β-TT. Of note, nonanemic pregnant women (17.6%) had also low SLI, suggesting β-TT or other hemoglobinopathies. Conclusion Assessment of Shine and Lal index as the first step to screen the type of anemia in pregnant women from a limited area is of potential value, especially because Indonesia is located in the thalassemia belt area. An integrative approach and counseling among pregnant women with β-TT and their partners will increase thalassemia awareness and optimal birth management.

Masalah gizi yang paling umum dialami oleh ibu hamil adalah Kurang Energi Kronis (KEK). Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan Pemulihan (PMT-P) diadakan untuk mengatasi masalah KEK, faktanya belum memberikan hasil sesuai harapan. Penelitian bertujuan mengetahui perbedaan asupan energi dan protein setelah program PMT-P terhadap keberhasilan perbaikan status gizi ibu hamil. Rancangan penelitian adalah mixed method dengan strategi triangulasi konkuren. Teknik pengambilan sampel penelitian kuantitatif adalah consecutive sampling, dengan responden 47 ibu hamil KEK. Partisipan penelitian kualitatif diambil secara purposive sampling. Analisis data kuantitatif diolah dengan uji Mann-Whitney. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program PMT-P pada ibu hamil KEK hanya mampu memperbaiki status gizi menjadi normal sebesar 13%. Asupan energi dan protein ibu hamil KEK setelah program PMT-P mampu mengubah status gizi menjadi normal sebesar 20%. Tidak terdapat perbedaan asupan energi dan protein setelah program PMT-P terhadap status gizi ibu hamil KEK dan normal (p>0,05). Penyebab ibu hamil KEK tidak mengalami perubahan status gizi setelah program PMT-P adalah pola makan, konsumsi makanan, status ekonomi, status kesehatan dan faktor internal yang meliputi pekerjaan dan pengetahuan.Simpulan penelitian ini adalah program PMT-P belum memberikan hasil sesuai harapan, ditandai dengan sedikitnya jumlah ibu hamil KEK yang mengalami perubahan status gizi menjadi normal. Terdapat faktor-faktor lain yang mempengaruhi perbaikan status gizi ibu hamil KEK seperti pola makan, konsumsi makanan, status ekonomi, status kesehatan dan faktor internal yang meliputi pekerjaan dan pengetahuan. Hal yang dilakukan adalah dengan meningkatkan pengetahuan gizi seimbang ibu hamil melalui penyuluhan.