Comparative Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ferric Carboxymaltose Versus Iron Sucrose in Post-partum Anaemia.

BACKGROUND The incidence of post-partum anaemia (PPA) is 14-24%. Treatment of PPA with injectable iron replenishes the iron store. Ferric carboxymaltose complex (FCM) is a non-dextran containing intravenous iron agent, having a very low immunogenic potential, designed to be administered in large doses in a short period of time. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous FCM and iron sucrose (IS) in post-partum iron-deficiency anaemia. MATERIAL AND METHOD In this prospective, comparative study, 120 post-partum women with iron-deficiency anaemia (Hb < 10 g%) were divided into two groups. A fixed dose of 1000 mg of FCM or IS was given within 10 days of delivery. Hb and serum ferritin were repeated 14 days post-transfusion. RESULT There is a mean increase in Hb (P value 0.000, 0.000) and ferritin (P value 0.000, 0.000) in both the groups. For intergroup comparison, independent Student's t test was performed which showed FCM was superior to IS (P value 0.000 and 0.000). CONCLUSION In our study, FCM was very effective in improving Hb concentration as well as in early replenishment of iron stores in patients with PPA. Large doses given in a short period of time not only save hospital resources but also improve patient satisfaction. It has significant benefit for use in the outpatient department. From this study, we can recommend its use in post-partum women with iron-deficiency anaemia.