International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common complication during pregnancy, often leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is an effective treatment for moderate anemia in pregnant women, offering faster replenishment of iron stores compared to oral supplements. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of two IV iron formulations Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) and Iron Sucrose (IS) in pregnant females with moderate anemia.

Methodology: This comparative prospective observational study was conducted on 126 pregnant women with moderate anemia (hemoglobin levels between >7 to <10 g/dL). Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving FCM and the other IS. Hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, and other hematological parameters were assessed before and after treatment, along with the incidence of adverse reactions.

Results: In the present study, a total of 126 pregnant women with moderate Anaemia were included. Age and BMI distributions between Group A and Group B were similar. The mean age was 26.57±3.70 years for Group A and 27.18±3.85 years for Group B (P=0.553).The post-treatment rise in serum ferritin was higher in Group B (104.96±41.08) compared to Group A (88.83±42.20), with a t-value of 2.174. Both Ferric Carboxymaltose and Iron Sucrose significantly increased hemoglobin levels and improved iron stores. However, the Ferric Carboxymaltose group showed a faster rise in hemoglobin and required fewer doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect compared to the Iron Sucrose group. The safety profile of both drugs was comparable, with minimal adverse effects.

Conclusion: Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose demonstrated superior efficacy in treating moderate anemia in pregnant women, offering a more rapid increase in hemoglobin levels with fewer doses than Iron Sucrose. Both treatments were well-tolerated, making them safe options for managing anemia during pregnancy. Further studies are recommended to evaluate long-term maternal and fetal outcomes.