Comparison of intravenous iron sucrose versus oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common medical problem in pregnancy. Parenteral iron is a useful treatment, although iron dextran use decreased due to anaphylaxis. Iron sucrose is a newer agent that has overcome the shortcomings of iron dextran. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficiency of intravenous iron sucrose with oral iron administration for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: 100 women with gestational age between 14 and 35 weeks with iron deficiency anaemia & Haemoglobin between 6-8g/dL were randomised to receive either oral iron (ferrous sulphate) 200 mg thrice daily or required dose of intravenous iron sucrose. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte count were measured at recruitment and on 2nd week, 4th week and at 37 weeks of gestation. Adverse drug reactions were also noted in both these groups. Results: Haemoglobin values varied significantly with time between the two groups at second week, 4th week and at 37 weeks. The mean difference in mean corpuscular volume from the recruitment value was not significant at 2nd week of treatment. When compared to iron sucrose group, oral iron group had significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose treated iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy faster, and more effectively than oral iron therapy, with no serious adverse drug reactions.