Exploring Risk Factors and Assessing the Effectiveness of Intravenous Iron Sucrose versus Oral Ferrous Fumarate for Pregnancy-Related Anemia

Background: Anemia associated to pregnancy, which is defined by low hemoglobin levels or inadequate red blood cells, is a serious worldwide health issue that affects the prognosis of both mothers and fetuses. Due to food habits, healthcare access issues, and socioeconomic differences, anemia during pregnancy is very common in Pakistan. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify risk variables linked to anemia in expectant mothers and assess the effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose against oral ferrous fumarate in the management of iron deficient anemia during pregnancy. Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat, Pakistan. 120 pregnant women made up the final cohort, which was split evenly between Group B (intravenous) and Group A (oral). Group B had intravenous iron sucrose therapy, whereas Group A got oral ferrous fumarate. Serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were assessed during the course of the 4-week follow-up assessments. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, which showed continuous variables as mean and standard deviation and categorical data as frequency and percentage. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered noteworthy. Results: Group A's mean hemoglobin rose from 86.49 g/dL to 102.97 g/dL (T-Value: 4.45, P-Value: 0.017), and serum ferritin increased from 8.19 ng/ml to 56.62 ng/ml (T-Value: 11.05, P-Value: 0.029). Similarly, Group B showed significant improvements, with hemoglobin increasing from 82.87 g/dL to 118.41 g/dL (T-Value: 5.26, P-Value: 0.001) and serum ferritin surging from 9.84 ng/ml to 109.85 ng/ml (T-Value: 7.37, P-Value: 0.001). Significant risk factors identified included poor nutrition (51.67%, n=62), multi-parity (59.17%, n=71), lack of antenatal care (67.50%, n=81), and lower socio-economic status (57.50%, n=69). Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose is more effective than oral ferrous fumarate in increasing maternal iron stores, with a notable advantage in terms of fewer side effects.