Comparison of Oral vs Intravenous Iron Therapy for the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia

Comparison of Oral vs Intravenous Iron Therapy for the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia

Postpartum anemia is a common condition associated with adverse maternal outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of oral iron therapy versus intravenous iron therapy in women with postpartum anemia.

This randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted at Shahida Islam Medical College and Hospital, Lodhran, Pakistan. Women diagnosed with postpartum anemia who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated using a lottery method to receive either intravenous iron (ferric carboxymaltose) or oral iron therapy (ferrous sulfate). The primary outcome was the change in hemoglobin level from baseline to 6 weeks of follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All women with postpartum anaemia as per operational definition i.e Haemoglobin <11 g/dl at 24 hours after delivery (either caesarean or SVD).

2. Age 20-40 years.

3. BMI 19-25.

4. Pre-operative haemoglobin >10 g/dl.

5. Both primiparous and multiparous.

6. Both primigravida and multigravida.

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Exclusion Criteria:

1. Iron Intolerance or previous history of allergy to iron
2. Parenteral Iron hypersensitivity
3. Patients with thalassemia
4. Indication of blood transfusion
5. Patients with bleeding/ clotting disorders
6. Patients with postpartum haemorrhage
7. Patients with chronic diseases.