A randomized comparison between intravenous iron sucrose and oral iron in treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy at a rural health training centre of a teaching medical institution

Background: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia in pregnancy. The standard treatment in majority of the institutions is oral iron, with blood transfusion reserved for severe or emergency cases. However, it is unreliable in the treatment of severe anemia. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose and oral iron administration for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Methods: Hundred women with gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks with established iron deficiency anaemia with hemoglobin between 6-8g/dL were randomized to receive either oral ferrous sulphate 200 mg thrice daily or required dose of intravenous iron sucrose 200 mg in 200 ml NS on alternate days. Hemoglobin was measured at recruitment and on 2nd week, 4th week and at 37 weeks. Adverse drug reactions were also noted in both the groups. Results were analyzed by student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Haemoglobin values varied significantly with time between the two groups at second week, 4th week and at term (p<0.005). When compared to iron sucrose group, the oral iron group had significant gastro-intestinal adverse effects. Conclusions: Intravenous iron sucrose treated iron deficiency anaemia of pregnancy faster, and more effectively than oral iron therapy, with no serious adverse drug reactions.