Total dose iron dextran infusion versus oral iron for treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

AbstractStudy objective: To test safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of total dose infusion (TDI) of low molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran for treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy in comparison to oral ferrous fumarate.Design: Prospective interventional randomized controlled trial (RCT). Design classification. Canadian Task Force II3.Setting: Antenatal clinic and causality unit of a tertiary care referral facility and University Hospital.Patients: A total 66 anemic pregnant women (hemoglobin level between 7–10 g/dl).Intervention: Administration of a LMW iron dextran as a TDI (group A) or Oral iron ferrous fumarate 60 mg elemental iron three times daily (group B) followed by remeasurement of hemoglobin after 4 weeks.Measures and main results: The main outcome measure was clinical and laboratory improvement of anemia after 4 weeks of starting the therapy. Both groups showed a significant clinical improvement of anemia 4 weeks post-therapy. However, the first improvement of sympt...