Ferric carboxymaltose injection in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, compared with oral ferrous sulfate in women with postpartum anemia. In a multicenter, randomized, controlled study, 291 women less than 10 days after delivery with hemoglobin 10 g/dL or less were randomized to receive ferric carboxymaltose (n = 143) 1000 mg or less intravenously over 15 minutes or less, repeated weekly to a calculated replacement dose (maximum 2500 mg) or ferrous sulfate (n = 148) 325 mg orally thrice daily for 6 weeks. Ferric carboxymaltose-treated subjects were significantly more likely to: (1) achieve a hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL in a shorter time period with a sustained hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL at day 42, (2) achieve hemoglobin rise 3 g/dL or greater more quickly, and (3) attain higher serum transferrin saturation and ferritin levels. Drug-related adverse events occurred less frequently with ferric carboxymaltose. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose was safe and well tolerated with an efficacy superior to oral ferrous sulfate in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia.