Abstract

Background: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is 58% among pregnant women in developing countries. According to the recent national guidelines, intramuscular iron sorbitol citric acid (ISCA) complex is one of the first- line drugs for treating moderate IDA in pregnancy. A novel intravenous preparation, iron sucrose promises to be more effective as it causes faster replenishment of iron stores and rapid rise of hemoglobin (Hb). Aims and
Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iron sucrose versus ISCA complex in IDA of pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: A total of 127 pregnant women whose Hb between 7 and 9 g/dl were recruited in the study. They were randomized into two groups to receive iron sucrose (intravenous) and ISCA (I.M), respectively. Hematological parameters were measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment.
Results: Mean rise in Hb and serum ferritin from baseline was 3.15 ± 0.08 (P < 0.0001) and 14.1 ± 2.6 (P < 0.0001) at the end of 8 weeks, respectively, with ISCA. Mean rise in Hb and serum ferritin from baseline was 3.36 ± 0.06 (P < 0.0001) and 16.28 ± 3.1 (P < 0.0001) at the end of 8 weeks with iron sucrose. 18% and 42% of pregnant women in iron sucrose and ISCA group experienced side effects, respectively. Conclusion: The rise in hemoglobin and serum ferritin was significant in iron sucrose group with fewer adverse effects. Hence, iron sucrose can be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of IDA in pregnancy.