Randomized clinical trial of IV iron sucrose and IV ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of moderate iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

In India, the national nutritional anaemia control programme (NNACP) was started in 1970 and is being implemented through primary health centers and sub centers. It recommended pregnant women to take one iron tablet per day for at least 100 days (each tablet containing 100 mg of natural iron and 500 mcg of folic acid) after first trimester of pregnancy; a similar dose applies to lactating women. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial. 160 pregnant ladies going to antenatal clinic at 14-36 weeks of gestation with Hb 7- 9.9g%. Who met the inclusion criteria were arbitrarily distributed into two groups. One with odd registration number was given iron sucrose and one with even was given FCM. Hematological profile includes Haemoglobin, Reticulocyte count, Blood indices (MCH, MCHC, MCV) Fringe smear, Serum iron and Serum TIBC. 52% cases from FCM group observed in the age gathering of 21-24 years and 39% cases from Iron Sucrose group were observed in the age gathering of 25-28 years. 54% cases from FCM and 46% cases from Iron sucrose were observed in the gestational Age of 29 to 36 weeks. 43% cases from FCM and 46% cases from Iron sucrose were primigravida. Patients from FCM group and 4 patients from Iron sucrose group did not follow up. 2 pts. From FCM group and 1 pt. from Iron sucrose group refused treatment. The rise in mean Hb level after 1 week and 4 weeks of treatment with FCM is more than Iron sucrose. The rise in mean Sr. Iron level after 1 week and after 4 weeks of treatment with FCM is more than Iron sucrose. The reduction in mean Sr. TIBC level after 4 weeks of treatment with Iron sucrose is more than FCM. The rise in mean MCH, MCHC and MCV levels after 1 week and 4 weeks of treatment with FCM is more than Iron sucrose. There was no serious adverse effect noted in both groups.