A comparative prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of iron sucrose versus iron sorbitol citric acid in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is 58% among pregnant women in developing countries. According to the recent national guidelines, intramuscular iron sorbitol citric acid (ISCA) complex is one of the firstline drugs for treating moderate IDA in pregnancy. A novel intravenous preparation, iron sucrose promises to be more effective as it causes faster replenishment of iron stores and rapid rise of hemoglobin (Hb). Aims and Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iron sucrose versus ISCA complex in IDA of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A total of 127 pregnant women whose Hb between 7 and 9 g/dl were recruited in the study. They were randomized into two groups to receive iron sucrose (intravenous) and ISCA (I.M), respectively. Hematological parameters were measured at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Mean rise in Hb and serum ferritin from baseline was 3.15 ± 0.08 (P < 0.0001) and 14.1 ± 2.6 (P < 0.0001) at the end of 8 weeks, respectively, with ISCA. Mean rise in Hb and serum ferritin from baseline was 3.36 ± 0.06 (P < 0.0001) and 16.28 ± 3.1 (P < 0.0001) at the end of 8 weeks with iron sucrose. 18% and 42% of pregnant women in iron sucrose and ISCA group experienced side effects, respectively. Conclusion: The rise in hemoglobin and serum ferritin was significant in iron sucrose group with fewer adverse effects. Hence, iron sucrose can be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of IDA in pregnancy.