PURPOSE: This paper documents the problem of iron-deficiency anemia in the Inuit region of Nunavik, in Northern Quebec, particularly among pregnant women and infants. It also addresses the issue of Helicobacter pylori gastritis as a possible cause of anemia in this population. METHOD: Data on anemia in pregnancy are from routinely collected prenatal records. Data on anemia in infants are drawn from blood samples collected for a study on the impact of environmental contaminants. Helicobacter serologies were done on cord-blood specimens from 100 consecutive births screened for contaminant exposure. For comparison, serologies were done on a series of cord-blood specimens from 99 births in Southern Quebec. RESULTS: By term, 40% of pregnant women in Nunavik are anemic (Hgb < 115 g/L). Of infants aged 9-14 months, 58% are anemic (Hgb < 110 g/L), and among the remaining 42%, over half have depleted iron stores. Twenty-seven percent of the Nunavik sample had positive or equivocal Helicobacter serologies. In the comparison group, 10% were positive or equivocal.
PURPOSE: This paper documents the problem of iron-deficiency anemia in the Inuit region of Nunavik, in Northern Quebec, particularly among pregnant women and infants. It also addresses the issue of Helicobacter pylorigastritis as a possible cause of anemia in this population. METHOD: Data on anemia in pregnancy are from routinely collected prenatal records. Data on anemia in infants are drawn from blood samples collected for a study on the impact of environmental contaminants. Helicobacter serologies were done on cord-blood specimens from 100 consecutive births screened for contaminant exposure. For comparison, serologies were done on a series of cord-blood specimens from 99 births in Southern Quebec. RESULTS: By term, 40% of pregnant women in Nunavik are anemic (Hgb < 115 g/L). Of infants aged 9-14 months, 58% are anemic (Hgb < 110 g/L), and among the remaining 42%, over half have depleted iron stores. Twenty-seven percent of the Nunavik sample had positive or equivocal Helicobacter serologies. In the comparison group, 10% were positive or equivocal.
Authors: Grace M Egeland; Peter Berti; Rula Soueida; Laura T Arbour; Olivier Receveur; Harriet V Kuhnlein Journal: Can J Public Health Date: 2004 Nov-Dec
Authors: Vinusha Gunaseelan; Patricia C Parkin; Gita Wahi; Catherine S Birken; Jonathon L Maguire; Colin Macarthur; Cornelia M Borkhoff Journal: BMJ Paediatr Open Date: 2020-04-06