A study to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose and intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy for anemia during pregnancy.

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To compare the efficacy, safety, and rate of response of intravenous iron sucrose and intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy for anemia during pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

100 antenatal cases of gestational age 14-32 weeks were included in this prospective study. Cases were randomly divided into two groups. Group A, having 50 cases received intravenous iron sucrose, and 50 cases in Group B received intramuscular iron sorbitol. Response to therapy in both groups was studied and compared.

RESULTS:

The mean pretherapy hemoglobin in group A was 6.49 gm/dl and in group B was 6.48 gm/dl. The rise in hemoglobin after 4 weeks of starting therapy was 3.52 gm/dl in group A and 2.33 gm/dl in group B. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The mean time taken to achieve target hemoglobin (≥11 gm/dl) was 6.37 weeks in group A and 9.04 weeks in group B. In group A, 8 % (four) cases had grade I adverse effects. In group B, 24 % (12) cases had grade I adverse effects. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.027). In both the groups, no case discontinued the therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Intravenous iron sucrose is safe, convenient, more effective, and faster acting therapy than intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy for treating moderate to severe anemia during pregnancy.

• Authors: Subhadra Singh, Saroj Singh, Punit Kumar Singh
• Journal: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology of India (J Obstet Gynaecol India) Vol. 63 Issue 1 Pg. 18-21 (Mar 2013) ISSN: 0971-9202 [Print] India
• PMID: 24431594 (Publication Type: Journal Article)