# Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Ferric Carboxymaltose for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Retrospective Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that ferric carboxymaltose is a safe and effective treatment for iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and postpartum women.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world evidence of FCM's safety and efficacy in treating anemia during and after pregnancy.

## Key findings

- Haemoglobin levels increased significantly at two, four, six, and 12 weeks after FCM treatment.
- Over 50% of participants became non-anaemic after FCM therapy.
- No major adverse events were observed in the study.

## Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant and postpartum women.

Materials and methods

A retrospective observational study conducted from March 2023 to March 2024 at a tertiary care hospital, where 153 pregnant and postpartum women with iron deficiency anaemia (Hb 6 g/dL to 10.9 g/dL) were recruited. The participants received a calculated dose of injection FCM. The primary outcome was a rise in haemoglobin from baseline at two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were safety, adverse events, and adverse perinatal outcomes following the injection of FCM.

Results

The mean haemoglobin rise was 1.06 ± 0.50 g/dL, 1.80 ± 0.62 g/dL, 2.24 ± 0.94 g/dL, and 3.23 ± 1.21 g/dL at two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and >6 weeks, respectively (p value < 0.001). Around 52% participants became non-anaemic, and 33% improved to mild anaemia from moderate anaemia post-FCM therapy. Among pregnant women with severe anaemia, a rise in haemoglobin from 2 g/dL to 4.7 g/dL was noted at six to eight weeks of follow-up. No major adverse events were noted.

Conclusion

Intravenous FCM is a safe and effective treatment option for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant and postpartum women, with a single infusion required, with no serious adverse events, improving the overall patient compliance.