Abstract
BACKGROUND: This was a prospective observational study to compare efficacy and safety of iron sucrose (FeS) and ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in pregnancy conducted over 18 months at a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Pregnant women between 14 to 36 weeks gestation with moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was a rise in haemoglobin after 14 and 28 days. Change in red cell indices, serum iron studies, symptomatic improvement, adverse effects, and neonatal outcomes were also compared. RESULTS: 95 pregnant women with anemia were included in the study. Mean rise in haemoglobin after 14 days was significantly higher in the FeS group than in the FCM group (2.25 ± 0.91 g/dL vs. 1.69 ± 0.98 g/dL, p value = 0.01), but rise in median serum ferritin was significantly more in the FCM group (148.55 vs. 310.6; p < .001). No significant adverse effect was noted in any group. CONCLUSION: Injectable iron preparation FeS results in an early rise in haemoglobin, while FCM leads to a higher rise in iron stores as seen by a rise in serum ferritin. As FCM requires fewer hospital visits, it is more convenient to the patient.