IV Ferric Carboxymaltose Vs Oral Iron in the Treatment of Post-partum Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of Post-partum anaemia, reported as 50-60% in India. It is primarily due to inadequate iron intake and due to peripartum blood loss. It has been associated with significant post-partum complications. Therefore, Post-partum iron deficiency warrants greater attention and higher quality care. Oral iron treatment has been considered the standard of care. However, parenteral iron treatment is expected to be advantageous in cases where oral iron therapy is not possible. As a result, there is increased interest in parenteral iron therapy. Recently, a new parenteral iron preparation, Ferric Carboxy Maltose (FCM), was developed to facilitate effective treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). This study was carried out in women with Post-partum IDA who were expected to benefit from the short treatment period permitted by the larger doses given parenterally.

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intra venous FCM compared to oral iron in treating Post-partum IDA patients.

This was a hospital based prospective comparative study. Women with Haemoglobin (Hb) between 7-10 g/dl and peripheral smear showing microcytic hypochromic anaemia on the first Post-partum day were included in the study. These women were randomised to receive either IV FCM (single dose 1000 mg) or oral ferrous ascorbate (100 mg twice daily for 6 weeks). Statistical analysis was done by student's paired and unpaired t-test and by chi- square test and fischer-exact t-test.

Ninety patients (45 in each group) were followed at one week and six weeks from the start of treatment and their Hb were estimated. Significant rise in Hb was observed in subjects treated with FCM compared to oral iron. FCM treated subjects were more likely to achieve an Hb rise greater than or equal to 3.0 g/dL. FCM was better tolerated with complete adherence to treatment as compared to oral ferrous ascorbate.

FCM showed robust evidence of efficacy, tolerability and safety in comparison to oral iron. Collectively, these data support the clinical utility of FCM in treating Post-partum IDA patients.