ABSTRACT
Background: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) continues to be a very common problem in developing countries leading to a spectrum of adverse events in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy, side effects and tolerance of ferric carboxymaltose as compared to available iron preparations for the prophylaxis and treatment of mild to moderate iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy.Methods: One-year clinical study (from June 2017 to May 2018). A total 100 patients were enrolled after matching inclusion and exclusion criteria. The efficacy assessment was performed during 4, 8, and 12 weeks of starting therapy. If the patient is not responding to therapy in either arm as documented by no rise or fall in haemoglobin levels patients may be removed from study for other therapy. Treatment duration up to 12 weeks. Safety and efficacy follow-up visit at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Institutional ethics committee permission was taken.Results: On intra-group comparisons there was significant increase in haemoglobin levels at 8 and 12 weeks in oral iron group as compared to day 1 haemoglobin levels while there was significant increase in haemoglobin levels at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in IV iron group as compared to day 1 haemoglobin levels. On intergroup comparisons between oral and IV iron group, there was significant increase in haemoglobin levels at 4, 8 and 12 weeks in IV iron group as compared oral iron group haemoglobin levels.Conclusions: Intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose causes significant improvement in haemoglobin more quickly and more effective in correcting iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy compared to oral treatment in terms of increase in haemoglobin levels at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose is safe and effective option for pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia.