Randomized Control Trial: Intravenous Iron Versus Oral Iron for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy
This study aims to assess whether administering intravenous iron early in pregnancy, compared to standard oral iron treatment, can enhance hemoglobin levels before delivery and reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia were randomly assigned to receive either oral or intravenous iron. Before treatment initiation, patients completed a symptom questionnaire baseline hemoglobin, and ferritin levels were measured. Follow-up visits occurred four weeks later and at 24 to 28 weeks gestation, involving reassessment of symptoms, laboratory testing, and monitoring of treatment adherence. Final hemoglobin levels were determined before delivery, and data on the need for blood transfusion at delivery were recorded.
• Age \> 18 years of age
• Ferritin level \< 30 ng/mL
• Singe gestation
• Gestational age up to 36 weeks as iron therapy after this has shown to be not beneficial at time of delivery. We will still plan to treat patients \> 36 weeks but not include them in the final analysis
• Plan to delivery at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC)