Stephane Bourque, Ph. D., Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology & Pediatrics, University of Alberta.
“Iron deficiency in pregnancy: A deceptively complex global health problem”.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting more than two thirds of the global population. Pregnant women are among the most susceptible subgroup, where an estimated 25% in North America, and a staggering 50-80% in developing countries develop anemia in pregnancy. We and others have shown that iron deficiency can cause pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and a host of long-term health complications in the offspring, including attention and behavioural deficits, metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular complications.
At first glance, the solution to this nutritional epidemic seems straightforward: provide the excess iron that is so sorely needed during pregnancy. However, the issue is deceptively complex, and may require novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. To this end, understanding the mechanisms by which iron deficiency impacts fetal growth and development is critical to identifying novel interventions.
The objectives of this seminar are:
1- To discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating iron deficiency during pregnancy.
2- To discuss mechanisms by which iron deficiency impacts fetal growth and development, thereby predisposing the offspring to long-term health risks.
Friday, January 26, 2018, 11:00AM-12:00PM, LIB-110
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth, Texas