A 12-week randomised study comparing intravenous iron sucrose versus oral ferrous sulphate for treatment of postpartum anemia.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effect of intravenous ferrous sucrose compared with oral ferrous sulphate on hematological parameters and quality of life in women with postpartum anemia.


METHODS
Open randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Multicentre study comprising five obstetrical departments in Norway.


METHODS
Hundred and twenty-eight postpartum women with hemorrhagic anemia (Hb between 6.5 g/100 ml and 8.5 g/100 ml). The intervention group (59 women) received 600 mg iron sucrose intravenously followed by 200 mg iron sulphate daily from week 5. The control group (70 women) were given 200 mg iron sulphate daily.


METHODS
Randomisation and start of treatment occurred within 48 hours of the delivery. Participants were followed up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.


METHODS
Hemoglobin, ferritin and quality of life assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Fatigue Scale.


RESULTS
After 4 weeks the mean hemoglobin values in both groups were similar (11.9 g/100ml vs. 12.3g/100ml, p=0.89). The mean serum ferritin value after 4 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group with 13.7 microg/L vs. 4.2 microg/L in the control group (p<0.001). At 8 and 12 weeks the hematological parameters were similar. The total fatigue score was significantly improved in the intervention group at week 4, 8 and 12, whereas SF-36 scores did not differ.


CONCLUSIONS
Women who received 600 mg intravenous iron sucrose followed by standard oral iron after four weeks, replenished their iron stores more rapidly and had a more favorable development of the fatigue score indicating improved quality of life.
Westad
Stian
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway. stian.westad@sykehuset-innlandet.no
Backe
Bjørn
B
Salvesen
Kjell Asmund
KA
Nakling
Jakob
J
Økland
Inger
I
Borthen
Ingrid
I
Rognerud Jensen
Odd Harald
OH
Kolås
Toril
T
Løkvik
Bjarne
B
Smedvig
Eli
E
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077605:Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005937:Glucaric Acid; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; C020748:ferrous sulfate; D013395:Sucrose; D005293:Ferritins; D000077605:Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; D005937:Glucaric Acid