Comparison of the Efficacy of IV Iron versus Oral Iron Therapy in Postpartum Anemia

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of parenteral and oral iron therapy in post partum anemia.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from 1^st August 2017 to 31 January 2017.

Materials and Methods: A total of 82 patients with postpartum anemia, having age range of 20 to 35 years were included in the study. The patients were randomly placed into two groups i.e. Group A (intravenous iron) and Group B (oral iron), by using lottery method. All patients were followed till 6 weeks and efficacy (deemed as yes if there was rise in hemoglobin levels >3.5g/dl after 6 weeks of therapy) was noted.

Results: There was rise in hemoglobin levels >3.5g/dl after 6 weeks of the rapy in 36 patients in intravenous route foe iron therapy while in oral route, it was seen in 27 patients. So, efficacy was 87.80% in group A (intravenous iron) and 65.85% in group B (oral iron) with p-value of 0.018.

Conclusion: Intravenous iron therapy is more effective than oral iron in treating postpartum anemia due to good compliance and better tolerance.