ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron therapy (iron III hydroxide sucrose complex) in ptatients with postoperative anemia following obstetric and gynecologic operations. METHODS: We reviewed the data of 69 patients with postoperative anemia who had undergone obstetric and gynecologic surgery from September 2003 to September 2004, who refused transfusion for correction of post-operative anemia and agreed on treatment with intravenous iron therapy. Iron III hydroxide sucrose complex 200 mg diluted in 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride was administrated over 2 hours on postoperative day 1st, 3rd and 5th days. Hemoglobin levels checked and side effects were reviewed. RESULTS: After treatment of intravenous iron therapy, the hemoglobin levels increased rapidly. The lowest hemoglobin levels were observed on postoperative 3rd day but rapid increase of homoglobin levels were observed continously. After 2 weeks from operation, the hemoglobin levels have increased by 0.6+/-1.3 g/dL in the patients with cesarean section and 2.1+/-1.2 g/dL in the patients with gynecology operation. Major side effects such as anaphylaxis and allergic reaction were not observed, and minor side effects were observed in three patients (4%). Emesis, pain on the injection site and skin rash was observed in each patients. CONCLUSION: Intravenous iron sucrose therapy was safe and effective in anemia following obstetric and gynecologic surgery.