Comparison of ferric carboxymaltose versus Iron Sucrose for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy.

Objective: To compare the mean increase in hemoglobin level with ferric carboxymaltose injection and iron sucrose injection for the management of the pregnant females presenting with iron deficiency anemia. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Settings: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Madina Teaching Hospital affiliated with University medical and Dental College Faisalabad. Period: July 2019 to December 2019. Material & Method: A total number of 100 patients presented in OPD satisfying the selection criteria were enrolled in the study after permission from ethical committee. On enrollment, a detailed clinical history which include previous iron treatment including and chronic medical disorders was taken. Clinical examination was done. Investigations for anemia include hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, peripheral film and red cell indices, serum ferritin level and Hb electrophoresis if indicated. The patients were randomly divided in two groups. In group A, females were given ferric carboxymaltose and in group B, females were given iron sucrose. After calculating the total iron deficit, patients in group A were given intravenous FCM. Patients in group B were given IS. Follow up of the patient was done after 3 weeks of intravenous iron treatment. The baseline Hb and values after 3 weeks of intravenous iron treatment were compared between the FCM and IS groups and increase in Hb level calculated as mean and SD. Both groups were analyzed for rise in Hb level by using independent sample t test. P value < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: A total 100 pregnant female were found eligible for study, and were randomized into two groups of 50 each. Mean increase in hemoglobin level with ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose was evaluated, it shows that baseline Hb was 8.84±0.68 in Group A and 8.78 ±0.76 in Group B, P value was 0.67, after treatment Hb was 12.02±0.89 in Group A and 10.92 ±0.99 in Group B. Mean increase was 3.18 ±0.60 in Group A and 2.14±0.81 in Group B. P value was 0.001. Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose significantly increase Hb level and restores the iron stores as compare to iron sucreose. FCM is safe and effective intravenous treatment for iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. FCM has the advantages of single large dose administration and fewer hospital visit. FCM is most suitable drug for the treatment of patients with IDA who required quick replenishment of iron stores.