Use of alternative methods in the treatment of anemia in pregnant women - prospective observational study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of erythropoietin (EPO) combined with oral iron versus parenteral iron alone in treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women.
Results Summary
EPO with oral iron showed significantly higher effectiveness (92.3% response rate) compared to parenteral iron alone (33.3% response rate), with no dangerous side effects reported for mothers or fetuses. Hemoglobin and RBC increases were significantly higher in the EPO group.
Population
Pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (25 patients total).
Effective Dosage
Group II received 1000 IU EPO intravenously every three days with oral iron supplements; Group I received Ferrum Lek intramuscularly every two days.
Duration
One week of treatment.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | increase | response to treatment | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | 92.3% in II, vs 33.3% in I, p < 0.005 | positive response was higher | #1 |
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | increase | hemoglobin | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | - | average increase was significantly higher | #2 |
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | increase | RBC | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | - | average increase was significantly higher | #3 |
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | no change | hemoglobin | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | r = 0.07 | increase did not correlate | #4 |
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | no change | hemoglobin | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | r = 0.08 | increase did not correlate | #5 |
recombinant human erythropoietin with oral iron supplements | decrease | hemoglobin | pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia | r = 0.602 | negative correlation was found | #6 |
EPO administered with the oral dose of iron | increase | treatment of anemia caused by iron deficiency | pregnant women with anemia caused by iron deficiency | - | shows higher effectiveness | #7 |
EPO | no change | side effects | mother or fetus during pregnancy | - | is not related to any dangerous side effects | #8 |
O BJECTIVES: Anemia in pregnant women is a common condition, diagnosed when the concentration of hemoglobin falls below 11 g/dL. Taking into consideration the accounts of nephrologists about good results of treatment of secondary anemia using erythropoietin in patients with renal failure, we tried to use EPO to cure anemia in pregnant women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of EPO treatment on pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, as well as possible side effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 25 patients: Group I - treated with iron supplement administered parenterally - Ferrum Lek every two days intramuscularly. Group II - treated with recombinant human erythropoietin - 1000 j intravenously every three days, with oral iron sup- plements. RESULTS: After a week of treatment the positive response was higher in the second group (92.3% in II, vs 33.3% in I, p < 0.005). The average increase of hemoglobin and RBC was significantly higher in II group. An increase in hemoglobin did not correlate with the age of women (r = 0.07) or with the duration of pregnancy (r = 0.08). However, a negative correlation was found between basic hemoglobin level and its increase after treatment (r = 0.602). CONCLUSIONS: EPO administered with the oral dose of iron in pregnant women with anemia caused by iron deficiency shows higher effectiveness than the use of iron preparations parenterally. The usage of EPO during pregnancy is not related to any dangerous side effects for the mother or fetus.