Short-Term Outcome of Intravenous Iron Therapy for Iron Deficiency Anaemia at Jnims, Imphal- A Preliminary Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) comprises of 50% of anaemia cases worldwide. The treatment consists of oral iron therapy and IV iron therapy. However, both of them may have their own side effects. Oral iron may have gastritis and constipation, while IV may have hypersensitive reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, JNIMS, Imphal from July 2017 till March 2018. The study was an observational study. The aim of the study was to see the efficacy, indications and adverse effects of intravenous iron therapy in iron deficiency anaemia at JNIMS. The study included all patients with iron deficiency anaemia who received IV iron, either Ferric carboxymaltose or Iron isomaltoside during the study period. RESULTS Fifty-six patients of anaemia were diagnosed to have iron deficiency anaemia during the study period. Twenty patients were eligible for intravenous iron therapy. Remaining patients were on oral iron supplement. The commonest cause for IDA was heavy uterine bleeding (HUB) (50%) followed by haemorrhoids (30%). The indication for IV iron was commonest among patient with oral iron intolerance along with HUB (35%). The baseline haemoglobin level in our study was 6.24 ± 1.45 g/dL. Haemoglobin level at the end of 4 weeks and 3 months were 8.38 ± 1.34 g/dL and 12.98 ± 0.75 g/dL respectively. Six patients (30%) had palpitation, dizziness and breathlessness lasting for 5 minutes immediately after the infusion. All the patients could finish IV iron. CONCLUSION Intravenous iron therapy is an essential treatment modality for the iron deficiency anaemia. Even with minor hypersensitive reactions, all the patients could continue the treatment with IV iron. All the cases had improved haemoglobin level at 4 weeks and 3 months.