RESUMO
To determine the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose complex in pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. This interventional study was conducted at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2010 to May 2010. Forty pregnant patients with gestational age of 16-32 weeks were enrolled. Iron deficiency anaemia was diagnosed on haemoglobin [Hb] levels <8.25 gm/dl, peripheral film and serum ferritin level <50 ng/ml. All the patients received the calculated total dose of iron sucrose in infusion form with the aim to correct the iron deficiency as well as to replenish the iron stores. They were observed for any side effects. Hb level, Mean Corpuscular Volume [MCV] and serum ferritin level were performed before initiating the therapy, two and four weeks after completion of therapy. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 17. Paired student t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used where applicable. Forty women were included in the study. Mean blood indices before therapy were, Hb less than 8.025 gm/dl, MCV 69.6 fl and serum ferritin 37.6 ng/ml. None of the patients had grade II allergic reaction whereas only two patients experienced grade I allergic reaction. Mean duration of therapy was 4.3 +/- 0.9 weeks. After 2 weeks of completion of Iron Sucrose [Ferotein-S] I.V infusion therapy the mean Hb level rose to 9.7 gm/dl, mean MCV became 88.6 fl and mean serum ferritin level was 60.3 ng/ml. After 4 weeks of completion of Iron Sucrose [Ferotein-S] infusion therapy the mean Hb level rose to 11.3 gm/dl, mean MCV became 85.5 fl and mean serum ferritin level was 131.1 ng/ml. The differences in values were statistically significant. Significant improvement of hemoglobin and iron stores were possible in pregnant women given total calculated dose of Intravenous Iron Sucrose Complex [Ferotein-S] infusion. It was safe and well tolerated.