Abstract:
The objective is to compare the efficacy and side effects of Ferric
carboxymaltose (FCM), iron sucrose and iron sorbitol and the improvement in blood
parameters in anemic women in pregnancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Pregnant women from 24 weeks to 34 weeks of gestation undergoing antenatal
care with hemoglobin levels between 6.5 gm% to < 9.0 gm%, with no prior iron
therapy or iron therapy received more than 6 weeks ago are included in the study.
Cases are subjected for blood investigations (Complete blood count,
Peripheral smear, Reticulocyte count, Serum Ferritin). Cases are then divided into
three groups: Group A- Ferric Carboxymaltose, Group B- Iron Sucrose, Group C
Iron Sorbitol. Equal number of cases are divided into three groups according to
randomization table (seed no. 21185).
Cases are followed up after 2 weeks and 6 weeks after drug administartion for
blood parameters (Complete blood count, Serum Ferritin, Reticulocyte count).
Primary observation is to compare the improvement in Complete Blood Count
(CBC) parameters and Serum Ferritin levels and the time taken for the improvement
by the iron preparations being studied. Secondary observation is to compare cost
effectiveness and the side effects of these three drugs.
RESULTS:
Ferric carboxymaltose has found to be the most effective and the fastest drug
in correction of anemia compared to iron sucrose and iron sorbitol as it increases the
Hb levels by 1.86gm/dl by 2 weeks and 4.02gm/dl in 6 weeks. Iron Sorbitol cuases
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