Antepartum Intravenous Iron Reduces Peripartum Blood Transfusions [27B

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated that antepartum intravenous iron sucrose infusion (IVFe) is safe and improves pre-delivery hemoglobin (Hb). Yet, the effect of IVFe on maternal morbidity is unknown. We sought to determine whether antepartum IVFe could reduce peripartum packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. In 6/2015, our institution began recommending IVFe for patients with Hb<9.5 g/dL who failed oral ferrous sulfate, as determined by persistent severe anemia in the third trimester. Patients who obtained prenatal care and delivered at our institution from 10/1/2015-10/1/2016 with third trimester Hb<9.5g/dL were included. Hemoglobinopathies were excluded. Decision to proceed with IVFe, timing, and number of doses was left up to patient and provider. Patients receiving ≥1 antepartum dose of 300mg of IVFe at least 48 hours before delivery were included in the IVFe group. Our primary outcome was rate of blood transfusions among those who did vs. did not receive IVFe. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare proportions. RESULTS: 389 of 3961 (9.8%) delivering patients met Hb criteria and were included. Of those, 25 (6.4%) were in the IVFe group. Third trimester Hb was lower in the IVFe group compared to the No IVFe group (8.6g/dL vs. 9.4g/dL; p<0.0001). Patients in the IVFe group significantly increased their Hb from third trimester to pre-delivery compared to those in the No IVFe group (Δ1.6g/dL vs Δ-0.1g/dL, p<0.0001). 57 of 389 (14.7%) received ≥1 unit of pRBCs during delivery admission. IVFe decreased the rate of peripartum blood transfusion compared to those who did not get IVFe (0% vs. 15.7%, p=0.035). The 57 transfused patients, none of whom received IVFe, required an average of 2.39 units of pRBCs per person. CONCLUSION: Despite lower starting Hb in the IVFe group, antepartum IVFe reduced transfusions in patients with a third trimester Hb<9.5g/dL. Future hemorrhage bundle work should highlight the use of IVFe to reduce peripartum pRBC transfusion and maternal morbidity.