A prescription pattern of iron preparations among pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India

Abstract

Background: Understanding and documenting the burden of Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy serves as feedback to realign the ongoing efforts in tackling it. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted with the Objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence of IDA in pregnancy (2) To determine the factors affecting the choice and the route of administration and (3) To compare the tolerability, efficacy, and adherence of oral and parenteral iron preparations. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in an antenatal clinic at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences from April 1st, 2018 to March 31st, 2019 after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval. Results: IDA was more in multigravida (66.17%). Majority of the participants were anaemic during their 2nd trimester (54.14%). By the time of delivery, 6 (33.33%), 34 (47.22%), and 20 (46.51%) participants enrolled in their first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, showed improved Hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Ferrous Sulphate (90.4%) and Iron Sucrose (98.53%) were the most prescribed oral and parenteral iron preparations, respectively. Among the participants on oral iron therapy, 30.65% had high adherence with Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale and about 20.16% of participants had 100% adherence by pill count. Conclusion: Parenteral iron infusions, though brought about a significant rise in the mean Hb levels of the participants in a shorter time span than oral iron therapy, could not correct their anemic status by the time of their delivery. Almost half of the participants delivered in anemic status. Both the treatment modalities were well tolerated and the majority had good adherence.