Efficacy of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose Versus Iron Sucrose in the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia of Pregnancy

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy is a widespread disease associated with adverse effects on both the mother and fetus. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) versus iron sucrose (IS) for improving hematological parameters in pregnancy-related iron deficiency anemia. Methods: This Quais experimental study was conducted over six months from January 2024 to June 2024 at Rai Medical College Sargodha. A total number of participants was n=120 pregnant IDA women (Hb<10.5 g/dL), gestational age (GA) 16 to 34 weeks), were seen and randomly assigned to either group A or group B. Iron sucrose was given as 200 mg intravenously in 200 ml of normal saline over 15-20 minutes on alternate days, with a maximum dose of 1000 mg per week. Ferric Carboxymaltose was given in a single dose, diluted in normal saline over 15-20 minutes, with a maximum of 1000 mg per day or per week. Assessment of Serum Ferritin and Hemoglobin levels at Baseline, 4th Weeks, and 8th Weeks Post-treatment, and adverse events. Results: There was a significant difference in mean Hb values between Group 1 and Group 2 in 4th week (p<0.05). Serum ferritin also improved significantly in the FCM group. When comparing FCM with IS, FCM was safer, with fewer adverse events. Patients in the FCM group also had higher rates of satisfaction and adherence and had fewer missed doses. Conclusions: It was concluded that FCM has quickly restored iron levels in pregnant women, significantly increasing Hb and ferritin levels over the 8th week with minor side effects.