Intravenous Iron versus Oral Iron in Correction of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem during pregnancy and affects about 50% of pregnant women in developing countries. Objective: The aim of the current study was to compare hematological responses to intravenous and oral iron supplementation in the correction of iron deficiency anemia during third trimester of pregnancy. Patients and methods: This clinical trial included 70 pregnant women during third trimester who were recruited from those attending the Antenatal Care Clinic of Zagazig University Hospitals with iron deficiency anemia. The participants were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 received oral iron supplementation (ferrous fumarate), and Group 2 received intravenous iron supplementation (ferric hydroxide sucrose complex).
Results: Hb level increased by 1.11 g/dl among oral iron treatment group, while the increase was 1.33 g/dl among Group 2. Also HCT increased by 4% of pretreatment value among Group 2 cases versus 2% increase from pretreatment level of Group I cases. The serum ferritin increased 6 times of the pretreatment level after oral iron intake and about 9 times increase after intravenous iron infusion, and iron level elevated about 2 times pretreatment level in both groups, but was more in intravenous iron therapy. Also, TIBC increased after iron supplementation by 13% of the original levels among Group I versus 20% increase among Group II (P-value <0.001).
Conclusion: Intravenous iron although its cost and its need for hospitalization is a safe and effective alternative to oral iron in correction of iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy during the third trimester.
 

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The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine
Volume 90, Issue 2
January 2023
Pages 3273-3277

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