The Effectiveness of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Childbearing Age with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most common minerals deficiency worldwide. Iron has a major role in producing hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. Treatment for an iron inadequacy depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Intravenous iron preparations are highly recommended when anemic pregnant women unable to tolerate, respond accordingly with better adherence to the regimen. Aim of the research:This study is conducted to evaluate the possibility of using ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) as a first line treatment in pregnant women with IDA; and the effect of other contributor factors such as age, education, occupation, number of pregnancies and most importantly is the time of receiving FCM in term of first, second and third trimesters.Methodology: Participants were gone throughout personal interview answering some questions about their gestational situation and habits to achieve the study outcomes. All participants were pregnant women with abnormal hemoglobin whose either already received their first dose of FCM or those who are scheduled to take their first dose.Results: Eighty-eight (88) pregnant women were participated in this study and their ages were divided into groups. The average of post FCM hemoglobin (10.99) after injection was significantly higher compared to the baseline hemoglobin (9.06). A shift to healthy and better response was shown after the FCM were shown in all participants. Conclusion:A single intravenous injection of FCM improves the hemoglobin level in a significant consideration in anemic pregnant women. It showed also that the respond of severe anemic cases were more positive in improving the level of hemoglobin than mild and/or moderate cases. Blood transfusion could be avoided by using FCM injection to optimize the iron stores rapidly and effectively. Intravenous injection of FCM could be used as trend in the first and second trimester during pregnancy with or without IDA if the hemoglobin level is low. Moreover, intravenous iron can be given late in pregnancy in the third trimester when rapid restoration of the iron stores and hemoglobin is required to avoid blood transfusion at delivery.