COMPARISON BETWEEN FERRIC CARBOXYMALTOSE (FCM) AND IRON SUCROSE COMPLEX (ISC) IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background
Iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy is a common health problem and can lead to poor maternal and fetal outcomes. Intravenous iron preparations are frequently used when rapid correction of anaemia is required. Ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose complex are commonly used agent but their comparative effectiveness remains important to evaluate.

Objective
To compare the efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose complex in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Duration and Place of Study

This randomized controlled trial study was conducted from 1st July 2024 to 1st January 2025 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ziauddin Medical University and Hospital Karachi.

Methodology
A total of 60 pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups, with 30 patients in each group. Group A received iron sucrose complex, while Group B received ferric carboxymaltose. Haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were assessed before treatment and during follow-up at 3 and 6 weeks. Efficacy was considered when haemoglobin increased to more than 11 g/dL and serum ferritin increased to more than 12 ng/mL after treatment. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 21.

Results
Mean age was 29.20 ± 7.48 years in Group A and 27.20 ± 6.04 years in Group B. At 6 weeks, mean haemoglobin level increased to 11.01 ± 0.64 g/dL in Group A and 12.88 ± 0.86 g/dL in Group B. Mean serum ferritin level increased to 24.08 ± 4.25 ng/mL and 52.09 ± 5.75 ng/mL, respectively. Treatment efficacy was observed in 16 (53.3%) patients in Group A and 30 (100.0%) patients in Group B, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.001).

Conclusion
Ferric carboxymaltose was found more effective than iron sucrose complex in treating iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy.