This updated meta-analysis of 29 randomized trials strengthens the case for intravenous iron over oral iron in pregnant patients with iron deficiency anemia, especially those with severe anemia, adding a newly significant reduction in peripartum blood transfusion.
IV iron outperforms oral iron for treating anemia in pregnancy.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy can adversely affect maternal and neonatal outcomes. Determining the optimal route of iron therapy is crucial for effective management. Intravenous (IV) iron was shown to significantly improve maternal hemoglobin and ferritin levels, increase neonatal iron stores, and reduce blood transfusion rates compared to oral iron, particularly in women with lower pretreatment hemoglobin levels. This study supports IV iron as a more effective treatment than oral iron for pregnant women with IDA, with fewer adverse effects, which could influence treatment protocols. IV iron improves maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancy-related IDA more effectively than oral iron.
📊 Deep Analysis Available
Subscribers get the full breakdown: study design, outcomes, pharmacist implications, clinical pearls, GRADE evidence grade, and a downloadable PDF report.
Subscribers receive access to a complete clinical analysis, available online and as a downloadable PDF.
Executive Summary
Study Design
Patient Population
Primary Outcomes
Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile
Pharmacist Implications
Clinical Pearls
Limitations
Controversies & Evidence Gaps
Cost & Logistics
Want the full analysis?
Subscribe to PharmD Signal for unrestricted access to every deep analysis, plus PDF reports, GRADE evidence grades, and pharmacist implications for every article we publish.