Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron with oral iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy.
Methods
A randomized experimental study was conducted at K. J. Somaiya Hospital involving 200 pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. In the intravenous group iron dose was calculated from: Total iron dose required (mg) = 2.4 × weight kg × target hemoglobin − actual hemoglobin) g/dl + 500. Target hemoglobin was set at 12 g/dl. In the oral group patients received 200 mg oral ferrous ascorbate daily. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin were reviewed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Paired and independent t test was applied.
Results
The change in hemoglobin and ferritin levels from baseline was significantly higher in the intravenous group than the oral group at each measurement (P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Intravenous iron elevates hemoglobin and restores iron stores faster than oral iron, with no severe adverse reactions.
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Shafi, D., Purandare, S.V. & Sathe, A.V. Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: Intravenous Versus Oral Route. J Obstet Gynecol India 62, 317–321 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-012-0222-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-012-0222-0