Iron dextran in the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia of pregnancy. Haematological response and incidence of side-effects.
Sixty pregnant patients with a haemoglobin (Hb) less than 8 g/dl and proven iron-deficiency anaemia were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. Group A received the usual recommended dose of iron dextran (Imferon; Fisons) and group B received two-thirds of the recommended dose. A further 30 patients received oral iron (group C). There was no difference in Hb value between the three groups 4 weeks after treatment or 3 months after delivery. At 6 months after delivery, a higher mean Hb value was found in the patients in group A than those in groups B and C. Significantly higher serum ferritin levels were found in group A and this difference was still present 6 months postnatally. There was no significant difference in the incidence of delayed reactions between the two groups who received iron dextran.
Stein
M L
ML
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Somerset Hospital, Cape Town.
Gunston
K D
KD
May
R M
RM
D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex; D005293:Ferritins