Total infusion of low molecular weight iron-dextran for treating postpartum anemia

Abstract

Aim: 135 puerperal women with iron deficiency anemia participated in our prospective randomized controlled trial in order to investigate alternative treatments to blood transfusion for anemia.

Materials and methods: The criteria for the diagnosis of anemia were Hb < 8 g/dl and ferritine < 10 microg/dl. Women were randomly separated in two groups, A and B. Women of group A (n = 109 women) received a total amount of 1000 mg low molecular weight (LMW) iron-dextran intravenously in two doses. Group B (n = 26) was the control group. They received orally 800 mg daily for 30 days of iron protein-succinylate. Three weeks later women of both groups underwent a full blood count analysis.

Results: Hemoglobin and ferritin levels increased significantly in group A compared to group B (p < 0.0001). No adverse side-effects due to the treatment were noted in either group.

Conclusion: It seems that total iron-dextran infusion is a safe and rapid therapy of iron-deficiency postpartum anemia increases the Hb level more rapidly than oral ferrous sulfate, and it also appears to replenish iron stores more rapidly.