Evaluation of efficacy, safety and cost of oral and parenteral iron preparations in patients with iron deficiency anemia

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of different oral and parenteral iron preparations in patients with anemia.

Methods: An observational, prospective study in patients of anemia in pregnancy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving iron sucrose, oral ferrous ascorbate and ferrous sulfate were included. Demographic details, clinical history, baseline hemoglobin, anemia indices data were recorded in a case record form. The patients were followed up monthly for 12 weeks and observed for clinical and haematological improvement and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The data was analyzed using paired t-test, unpaired t-test and Fisher`s exact test.

Results: Out of 232 patients, 84 received iron sucrose, 62 ferrous ascorbate and 86 ferrous sulfate. Oral and parenteral iron preparations significantly (P<0.0001) improved mean hemoglobin, anemia indices and serum ferritin at the end of study. However, mean increase in hemoglobin and anemia indices were significant (P<0.0001) with iron sucrose (4.42 ± 0.17gms/dL) as compared to ferrous ascorbate (3.45 ± 0.1) and sulfate (3.3 ± 0.4). Increase in serum ferritin was more and rapid (at 4 weeks) with iron sucrose as compared to ferrous ascorbate in CKD patients. Surprisingly, ADRs were more in patients treated with oral ferrous sulfate (86%) and ascorbate (71%) compared to iron sucrose (63%).

Conclusion: Parenteral iron sucrose improves hemoglobin. anemia indices and replenish iron stores rapidly and is well tolerated than oral iron preparations.