Publication:

Safety and efficacy of ferric carboxy maltose in pregnant women- a pilot study

Background Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency amongst women of childbearing age. It is associated with significant maternal, fetal and infant morbidity. Current options for treatment include oral iron, parenteral iron and red blood cell transfusions. Ferric carboxy maltose is a newer i.v. iron formulation which can be used at high doses with rapid administration. This study was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy in pregnant women.

Methods Prospective observational study was conducted in VIMS Ballari. 50 pregnant women between 28-36 weeks of gestation having moderate anemia with confirmed iron deficiency were administered with 1000 mg of ferric carboxy maltose (FCM). These women were followed after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and till delivery. Safety and efficacy were assessed.

Results There was significant improvement in both hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels (p<0.01). None of them had significant reactions.

Conclusions Ferric carboxy maltose is well tolerated. Ability to transfuse in single high dose makes it a preferred drug for faster and higher replenishment of iron stores and correction of hemoglobin levels during pregnancy especially in third trimester.