title: Safety and efficacy of high-dose intravenous iron carboxymaltose vs. iron sucrose for treatment of postpartum anemia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) high-dose iron carboxymaltose (ICM) with iron sucrose (IS) for the treatment of postpartum anemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective cohort study with 210 anemic inpatient women in the postpartum period who received IV high-dose ICM (15 mg/kg; maximum, 1000 mg) or IS (2×200 mg), respectively. Safety and tolerability of both groups were compared on the basis of reported systemic and local adverse events. The cohorts were matched for baseline characteristics and their initial hemoglobin (Hb) values. The secondary endpoint included drug efficacy assessment by measurement of Hb level increase up to 8 days after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rapid administration of high ICM doses was as well tolerated as IS with overall adverse events of 5% (ICM) vs. 6% (IS). The most common complaint was burning and pain at the injection site. ICM was as effective as IS in changing Hb levels from the baseline. There was no difference in the mean daily Hb increase between the groups. Women with severe anemia showed the most effective responsiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IV ICM is as safe as IS in the management of postpartum (IDA) iron deficiency anemia despite five times of higher dosage. Both drugs are effective and offer a rapid normalization of Hb after delivery. The single application of ICM shows advantages of lower incidence of side effects at the injection site, a shorter treatment period, and better patient compliance.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Pfenniger
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Schuller
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Christoph
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Surbek
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077605:Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; D005937:Glucaric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008320:Maltose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; C522335:ferric carboxymaltose; D008320:Maltose; D000077605:Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; D005937:Glucaric Acid