A Comparison Between Intravenous Iron Sucrose to Its Combination With Oral Iron Supplements for the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia

A Comparison Between Intravenous Iron Sucrose to Its Combination With Oral Iron Supplements for the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia

This study is aimed to compare the efficacy of two mode of iron administration to treat post partum anemia - a single dose of intravenous iron sucrose versus a single dose of iron sucrose and 6 weeks of treatment with oral iron supplement.

Anemia is common following delivery. It is associated with disturbing symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and syncope in severe cases. International guidelines recommend to use intravenous iron sucrose to treat intermediate and severe anemia until the target hemoglobin is achieved. However, patient's compliance after delivery is low, making the administration of several doses difficult. In those cases oral iron supplements might be used. In the present study the investigators will compare the efficacy of two iron administration protocols to treat post partum anemia - a single dose of intravenous iron sucrose versus a single dose of iron sucrose and 6 weeks of treatment with oral iron supplement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women above 18 years old after giving birth
• Women who suffer from iron deficiency anemia, defined as hemoglobin< 9.5 g/dl without one of the conditions that are described in the exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who suffer from known allergy for iron supplements
• Women who suffer from anemia not due to iron deficiency
• Women who suffer from acute infection
• Women who suffer from liver failure or viral hepatitis
• Women who suffer from thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies
• Women who suffer from renal failure
• Women who suffer from unbalanced thyroid disorder