Pharmacotherapy in Anaemia of Pregnancy: Comparison of Oral Ferrous Sulphate, Intravenous Iron Sucrose

Aim: To analyse the outcome of oral and intravenous therapy of iron preparations in treating anaemia in pregnant women. Study Design: Prospective Study. Place and duration of study: Department of Pharmacology and department of Gynaecology and obstetrics, Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College, Sialkot from May 2020 to July 2021. Methods: Between May 2020 and July 2021; A total of 1200 patients presenting to obstetric department with anaemia were included in the study after fulfilling inclusion criteria. Pregnant patients with haemoglobin level 7-8gm/dl at 24th week of gestation were included in the study. The therapy was started on 24th week of gestation. The haemoglobin levels were determined at 24th week and then at 37th week of gestation. The increase in the haemoglobin level was then determined. Serum ferritin levels were done at 37th week of gestation. Results: It was observed that there was an increase in the haemoglobin level after all the treatment regimes. The increase in haemoglobin in the group B and C was statistically significant with P value of < 0.001 when compared with the group A. However, no statistical significant difference was observed between group B and group C. Conclusion: The haemoglobin and serum ferritin level were significantly increased in the subjects after oral ferrous sulphate, however parenteral formulation are more effective in noncompliant patient where quick improvement in haemoglobin levels are to be achieved. Keywords: Anaemia, pregnancy, iron deficiency, pharmacotherapy