Single Dose Intravenous Carboxymaltose Versus Oral Iron Therapy in the Treatment of Anaemia in Postpartum Patients in a Rural Area

Abstract

BACKGROUND To compare the efficacy and safety of oral and intravenous administration of iron supplement (single dose of ferric carboxymaltose) for treating postpartum anaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a longitudinal interventional study in anaemic mother in postpartum period, which fits into inclusion criteria. It is a hospital-based randomised prospective study. Out of two groups, one had received single dose of ferric carboxymaltose of 500 mg IV infusion and second group received 200 mg of oral iron daily for four weeks. RESULTS Mean age in both groups was 22.3 years. 94% patients belong to rural area. Significantly, higher number of participants had achieved the target haemoglobin level in IV iron group as compared to oral iron group (24 vs. 12), which suggests poor compliance of participants in oral iron group. Adverse drug reactions-GI side effects were mostly observed in oral iron group, but treatable hypersensitivity reaction in the form of itching all over body was seen in IV iron group in a small proportion of patients. CONCLUSION IV ferric carboxymaltose appears to be very effective and safe option for treatment of postpartum anaemia with very good compliance, less hospital stay and rapid rise of Hb.