Abstract

Background: Fe deficiency is a major public health problem which can be easily diagnosed and corrected. Peri-partum Fe deficiency anaemia (IDA) is related to maternal, fetal and infant morbidity. Current alternatives encompass oral Fe supplementation, which can be ineffective and poorly tolerated, and blood transfusions, which carry an inherent danger and need to be avoided. Ferric carboxymaltose is a new remedy alternative to blood transfusion. The study is designed to assess the safety and potency of Fe deficiency anaemia (IDA) correction with intravenous FCM in pregnant women anaemia in the 2^nd and 3^rd trimester.

Methods: Prospective observational study; 50 anaemic pregnant women obtained FCM 500mg   among 24-and 36 weeks of pregnancy (median 32 weeks gestational age, SD). Treatment potency assessed through repeat haemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin titers which indicate the Fe stores. Drug safety assessed by evaluation of drug reactions and fetal heart for the during and after infusion.

Results: Intravenous FCM infusion appreciably improved Hb values (p<0.01) above baseline degrees in all women. Increased Hb values were determined at 3 weeks, after delivery, 6 weeks postpartum. Ferritin values accelerated significantly after the infusion. Fetal heart rate monitoring did not show any effect on the fetus. No serious detrimental consequences have been observed and minor consequences took place in 2 (4%) patients.

Conclusions: Our study statistics is correlating with current observational reviews of the secure and effective use of FCM in Fe deficiency anaemia in pregnancy.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Fe deficiency, Peri-partum anaemia, Intravenous FCM, Red blood cell transfusion.