Diagnosis and treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum

Iron-deficiency anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum occurs frequently and may lead to severe maternal and foetal complications. New treatment regimens include intravenous iron administration in particular clinical situations. The aim of the study was to determine optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to iron-deficiency anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum.

The evidence from data available from published studies and recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment were reviewed. As conclusions, recommendations are given by an expert panel.

During pregnancy, oral iron therapy is given as first-line treatment. In cases with lack of efficacy, unwarranted side effects or very low haemoglobin values, intravenous iron treatment with iron carboxymaltose is a preferable alternative, although data regarding safety are limited. In the postpartum period, haemoglobin values less than 95 g/L are treated ideally by intravenous carboxymaltose, leading to more rapid haemoglobin recovery.

New intravenous iron preparations such as iron carboxymaltose have an excellent efficacy, side effect profile and advantages as compared to oral iron preparations for particular clinical indications.