Effect of mass deworming with anthelmintics on soil-transmitted helminths during pregnancy
Evidence suggests that a single dose of anthelmintics in late pregnancy may reduce maternal anemia and worm prevalence when used in settings with a high prevalence of maternal helminthiasis. Further data are needed to establish the benefits of anthelmintic therapy on other maternal and pregnancy outcomes.
Future research should focus on evaluating the effects of these anthelmintics among different subgroups to assess whether the effects differ. Future studies can also evaluate the effectiveness of joint interventions and health education along with anthelmintics on maternal and pregnancy outcomes.
Salam RA, Das JK, Bhutta ZA Effect of mass deworming with anthelmintics on soil-transmitted helminths in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, No. 5. Art. No.: CD005547. doi: 10.1002 /14651858.CD005547.pub4. Accessed May 18, 2021.
Commentary
Parasitic infections caused by contaminated soil can contribute to iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. These parasites release substances that prevent blood from clotting, causing bleeding, and these women experience anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and have also been reported to have impaired blood cell production. Therefore, the study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects on the eradication of the relevant parasite as it may affect the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
The study will
The study was based on six randomized controlled trials involving 7873 pregnant women, all of whom were given iron supplementation and anthelmintics.
The results showed that a single dose of deworming medication in late pregnancy may reduce maternal anemia. However, the effects on preterm birth and perinatal mortality are unknown, and the quality of the evidence for these results is considered low.However, because these interventions may protect women from anemia and conditions later in pregnancy, the results are positive, but additional research is needed to determine other effects, as the results only show reductions in anemia and parasite counts.
