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.
Keywords: Hemoglobin; Iron deficiency anemia; Iron sucrose; Oral ferrous ascorbate; Serum ferritin.