ABSTRACT
After hemorrhage, anemia is the most common cause of maternal mortality and leading cause of maternal morbidity in India. Theprevalence rates of anemia in pregnancy in India is estimated to be >50%. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most commontype of anemia in pregnancy in India, which I can be as high as 80–90%.Aims and Objectives: The present survey was initiated in pursuit of analyzing the effectiveness and safety of oral ferricpyrophosphate (FPP) formulation given once to twice daily for treatment and prophylaxis of IDA in pregnancy.Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based retrospective survey. Each gynecologist was given this survey bookletcontaining questionnaire. Clinical response was assessed by measuring rise in mean hemoglobin (Hb) levels at baseline, week4, and week 8, after giving oral FPP formulation for 8 weeks.Results: A total of 60 gynecologists participated and completed the survey, which involved 1073 pregnant subjects and patientssuffering from IDA (864 patients, i.e., 80%). Mean Hb level at baseline was found to be 8.98 g/dl, 10.03 at week 4, and 10.99 atweek 8. Thus, rise of Hb from baseline to week 8 was found to be 2.01 g/dl. Adverse events were reported in only 10 patients(<0.09%), none requiring discontinuation of therapy. 98% of the participants agreed good acceptability of oral FPP formulation.Conclusion: Findings of the present survey suggests that oral FPP formulation therapy can serve as potent choice of therapyfor IDA in pregnancy, both therapeutically and prophylactically