Comparison Of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose, Intravenous Iron Sucrose And Intramuscular Iron Sorbitol In Anemia In Pregnancy: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

The objective is to compare the efficacy and side effects of Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), iron sucrose and iron sorbitol and the improvement in blood parameters in anemic women in pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women from 24 weeks to 34 weeks of gestation undergoing antenatal care with hemoglobin levels between 6.5 gm% to < 9.0 gm%, with no prior iron therapy or iron therapy received more than 6 weeks ago are included in the study. Cases are subjected for blood investigations (Complete blood count, Peripheral smear, Reticulocyte count, Serum Ferritin). Cases are then divided into three groups: Group A- Ferric Carboxymaltose, Group B- Iron Sucrose, Group C Iron Sorbitol. Equal number of cases are divided into three groups according to randomization table (seed no. 21185). Cases are followed up after 2 weeks and 6 weeks after drug administartion for blood parameters (Complete blood count, Serum Ferritin, Reticulocyte count). Primary observation is to compare the improvement in Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters and Serum Ferritin levels and the time taken for the improvement by the iron preparations being studied. Secondary observation is to compare cost effectiveness and the side effects of these three drugs. RESULTS: Ferric carboxymaltose has found to be the most effective and the fastest drug in correction of anemia compared to iron sucrose and iron sorbitol as it increases the Hb levels by 1.86gm/dl by 2 weeks and 4.02gm/dl in 6 weeks. Iron Sorbitol cuases xi