Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The prevalence of anaemia is 55.9 per cent with variations between developed and developing countries. The present study was conducted to compare intravenous iron sucrose and intramuscular iron sorbitol for anemia during pregnancy. Materials & Methods: 120 antenatal women between 14 and 32 weeks of gestationwere divided into two groups. Group I received intravenous iron sucrose. Iron sucrose was given as 150 mg in 100 ml of 0.9 % normal saline infusion over 1 hour every third day and group II received intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy. Iron sorbitol complex was given as daily intramuscular injection of 1.5 ml.Each group had 60 patients. Results: Group I received intravenous iron sucrose and group II intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy. After 2 weeks of therapy hemoglobin level (gm/dl) 5-7 was seen in 15% and25%, 7-9 in 30% and 34%, 9-11in 55%and 41% and after 4 weeks in 12% and 20% and 48%, 74% and 40% and 6%in group I and II respectively. Time period Time period taken to achieve target hemoglobin level (>11 gm/dl) in group I and group II was 2-4 weeks in 7% and 0%, 4-8 wees in 80% and 35%, 8-12 weeks in 13% and 55% and >12 weeks in 0% and 10% in group I and II respectively. Adverse events in group I and group II were headachein 2 and 3, local phlebitis in 1 and 2, skin staining in 1 and 4 and abdominal pain in 1 and 3 respectively. Conclusion: Intravenous iron sucrose therapy for the treatment of anemia during pregnancyis safe, convenient, more effectivethan intramuscular iron sorbitol therapy.