Lactoferrin plus health education versus total dose infusion (TDI) of low-molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

AbstractBackground: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common medical disorder disturbing pregnancies particularly in low resources countries, and contributes significantly to morbidities and mortalities. Thus, early diagnosis and prompt management of IDA is highly recommended.Aim: To Test the efficacy and safety of oral lactoferrin plus health education provided by a nurse versus total dose infusion (TDI) of low-molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treating IDA in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.Design: A prospective interventional, randomized, parallel-group, single-center longitudinal study.Setting: Woman’s Health Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt, at the outpatient clinic and inpatient unit. It comprised 120 cases divided into two groups as pineapple flavored lactoferrin oral sachets 100 mg twice daily with health education (group A) and TDI of LMW iron dextran (group B).Main outcome measures: The primary efficacy parameter was clinical improvement and the amount of...