title: Ferric carboxymaltose: A revolution in the treatment of postpartum anemia in Indian women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study is to compare the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), intravenous (IV) iron sucrose and oral iron in the treatment of post = partum anemia (PPA).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 366 women admitted to SCB Medical College, Cuttack between September 2010 and August 2012 suffering from PPA hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dL were randomly assigned to receive either oral iron or IV FCM or iron sucrose. FCM, IV iron sucrose, and oral iron were given as per the protocol. Changes in hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels at 2 and 6 weeks after treatment were measured and analyzed using ANOVA. Adverse effects to drug administration were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant increase in Hb and serum ferritin level were observed in all three groups, but the increase in FCM group was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than conventional iron sucrose and oral iron group. The mean increase in Hb after 2 weeks was 0.8, 2.4, and 3.2 g/dL and 2.1, 3.4, and 4.4 g/dL at 6 weeks in oral iron, iron sucrose and FCM groups, respectively. The mean increase in serum ferritin levels after 2 weeks was 2.5, 193.1, and 307.1 and 14.2, 64, and 106.7 ng/mL after 6 weeks in oral iron, iron sucrose and FCM groups, respectively. Adverse drug reactions were significantly less (P < 0.001) in FCM group when compared with other two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ferric carboxymaltose elevates Hb level and restores iron stores faster than IV iron sucrose and oral iron, without any severe adverse reactions. There was better overall satisfaction reported by the patients who received FCM treatment.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India.
authors: Setu
authors: S
authors: Rathod
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India.
authors: Sunil K
authors: SK
authors: Samal
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India.
authors: Purna C
authors: PC
authors: Mahapatra
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India.
authors: Sunita
authors: S
authors: Samal
keywords: Ferric carboxymaltose; iron Sucrose; oral iron; postpartum iron deficiency anemia