Publication:

Comparative study of oral iron and intravenous iron sucrose in the management of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder during pregnancy and has been identified as an indirect cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths. The objective of the study to compare the efficacy of oral iron (OI) and intravenous iron sucrose in the management of IDA in pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at the Antenatal Clinic of Ballari Medical College and Research Centre, Ballari, between June 2024 and November 2024. Sixty pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, with hemoglobin (Hb) levels between 7 and 10 g/dL and peripheral smear findings suggestive of IDA, were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 30 each. Group A (OI): Received ferrous ascorbate tablets containing 100 mg of elemental iron, administered twice daily throughout pregnancy. Group B (Intravenous iron): Received iron sucrose complex containing 200 mg of elemental iron diluted in 100 ml of 0.9% normal saline, infused intravenously over 15-20 minutes on alternate days. OI was withheld during this period. Both groups were monitored clinically for adverse reactions. Laboratory investigations, including Hb percentage, complete blood count, peripheral smear, and urine analysis, were performed on day 1 and at designated follow-up visits. Data were tabulated and analysed using an unpaired t test. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The increase in Hb and other hematological parameters from baseline was significantly greater in the intravenous iron group compared to the OI group at all time points.

Conclusions Intravenous iron sucrose was found to be more effective and produced a faster correction of IDA in pregnancy compared to OI therapy.