Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and efficacy of iron carboxymaltose with ferrous sulfate to treat iron deficiency anemia in the post partum.


METHODS
Patients were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive iron carboxymaltose (up to 3 weekly doses of 1000 mg maximum, applied in 15 min; n=227) or ferrous sulfate (100 mg twice daily, 12 weeks; n=117). Changes in hemoglobin and iron stores up to week 12 were analyzed.


RESULTS
Iron carboxymaltose was as effective as oral iron sulfate in changing hemoglobin, despite the much shorter treatment period (2 weeks vs 12 weeks). Ferritin levels were significantly higher. Except for injection site burning, iron carboxymaltose was better tolerated than ferrous sulfate, mainly concerning gastrointestinal side effects. There were no safety concerns identified in breast-fed infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Parenteral iron carboxymaltose is a safe and effective treatment option for postpartum anemia, with advantages of a shorter treatment period, better compliance, rapid normalization of iron storages, and lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects.
Breymann
Christian
C
Feto-maternal Hematology Unit, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. christian.breymann@usz.ch
Gliga
Flaviu
F
Bejenariu
Christina
C
Strizhova
Nina
N
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005293:Ferritins; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008320:Maltose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; C020748:ferrous sulfate; C522335:ferric carboxymaltose; D008320:Maltose; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron