Effectiveness of Intravenous Iron Sucrose Therapy in Routine Antenatal Care for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending a Secondary Care Hospital in North India: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: Anemia during pregnancy is an important public health problem and is associated with a number of maternal and fetal complications. Intravenous iron sucrose (IVIS) has been reported to be safe and efficacious in raising the hemoglobin (Hb) level among pregnant women. However, most of the studies were conducted in controlled research settings, and there is a paucity of data on the effectiveness when IVIS is given as routine therapy in public health facilities. The objective of this study was to estimate the change in mean Hb level four weeks after the last dose of IVIS infusion in pregnant women with moderate to severe anemia in a public healthcare setting. Methods: Records of pregnant women having moderate anemia (Hb level: 7.0-9.9 gm/dL), who received IVIS in calculated dose during routine antenatal care between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2018, were reviewed. Data were analyzed using STATA version 13 software (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Hb levels before the start of the therapy (baseline) and four weeks after the last infusion (endline) were compared. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean (±SD) Hb level increased from 8.5 (±0.88) gm/dL at baseline to 10.3 (±1.24) gm/dL four weeks after the last dose of IVIS infusion. The mean (±SD) increase in Hb level was 1.7 (±1.29) gm/dL (95% CI: 1.57, 1.87). The change from moderate and severe anemia to normal Hb levels was observed in 28.4% and 28.6% of women, respectively. Conclusion: IVIS therapy is effective in improving Hb levels when given as routine therapy in a secondary level public healthcare facility.