Rhabdomyolysis After Intravenous Iron Sucrose Infusion During Pregnancy

Iron infusions have become increasingly common in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Although iron infusions are generally well tolerated, adverse reactions have been reported.

A pregnant patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after receiving a second dose of intravenous (IV) iron sucrose at 32 6/7 weeks of gestation. On admission to the hospital, creatine kinase was 2,437 units/L, sodium was 132 mEq/L, and potassium was 2.1 mEq/L. Intravenous fluids and electrolyte repletion were administered, with improvement of symptoms within 48 hours. Creatinine kinase normalized 1 week after hospital discharge.

Rhabdomyolysis can be associated with IV iron infusion during pregnancy.