Publication:

Effect of parenteral iron sucrose therapy to improve the feto-maternal prognosis related to iron deficiency anemia

Background The objective was to determine the effect of parenteral iron sucrose therapy to improve the feto-maternal prognosis related to iron deficiency anemia.

Methods This was a longitudinal study conducted among 205 women admitted in a out-patient clinic of a tertiary care hospital and received iron sucrose. The iron sucrose dose was calculated from the following formula: weight before pregnancy (kg) -(110 g/L – actual hemoglobin [g/L]) X 0.24+ 500 mg. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring hemoglobin ferritin and other hematological parameters on the 30th  day, at delivery and at first day of postpartum.

Results Hemoglobin level was significantly (p<0.001) increased from baseline (8.33±1.13) to 30th (9.45±1.02), at delivery (11.89±0.89) and at first postpartum day (12.15±1.11).  However, TIBC significantly (p=0.01) decreased from baseline to first postpartum day.  Significant (p<0.0001) increase was also noted in serum ferritin and serum folate levels from baseline to 30th day, at delivery and at first postpartum day. MCV and MCH were significantly (p=0.01) increased from baseline to only at delivery and at first postpartum day. Percent change analysis showed that there was higher change in serum ferritin and serum folate levels than Hb, MCV and MCH levels. About one third (34%) of the patients did not complain any complications during supplementation.

Conclusion With regard to the use of intravenous iron in obstetrics, there is increasing evidence that iron sucrose is safe for the mother and the fetus using the recommended dosages and therapy regimens.