Conclusions All currently available intravenous iron preparations appear to be safe and effective , but ferric carboxymaltose seems to provide a better and quicker correction of haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in iron-deficient patients
Background Iron deficiency is very common in a number of medical conditions .
Ferric carboxymaltose is a new stable iron preparation that can be administered in single infusions over short periods of time .
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) regarding the efficacy and safety of the novel complex compared with other iron formulations .
In addition , the feasibility of a network meta- analysis for indirect comparisons was investigated .
Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose Compared With Oral Iron in the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE : To estimate efficacy of rapid , large-dose intravenous ( IV ) administration of ferric carboxymaltose compared with oral iron therapy in anemic postpartum women . METHODS : In a r and omized , controlled trial , we assigned anemic women ( hemoglobin [ Hb ] less than or equal to 10 g/dL ) within 10 days postpartum to receive either IV ferric carboxymaltose ( less than or equal to1,000 mg over 15 minutes , repeated weekly to achieve a total calculated replacement dose ) or ferrous sulfate ( FeSO4 ) 325 mg orally thrice daily for 6 weeks . RESULTS : One hundred seventy-four patients received 350 IV doses of ferric carboxymaltose ( mean total dose 1,403.1 mg ) in 3 , 2 , or 1 injection ( 10.9 % , 79.3 % , or 9.8 % of patients , respectively ) ; 178 received FeSO4 . Patients assigned to IV ferric carboxymaltose compared with those assigned to oral iron achieved a Hb rise greater than or equal to 2.0 g/dL earlier ( 7.0 compared with 14.0 days , P<.001 ) , were more likely to achieve a Hb rise greater than or equal to 3.0 g/dL at any time ( 86.3 % compared with 60.4 % , P<.001 ) , and were more likely to achieve a Hb greater than 12.0 g/dL ( 90.5 % compared with 68.6 % , P<.001 ) . A similar proportion of patients achieved a Hb rise greater than or equal to 2.0 g/dL ( 96.4 % compared with 94.1 % , IV compared with oral , P=.443 ) . There were no serious adverse drug reactions . CONCLUSION : Large-dose IV ferric carboxymaltose administration is a new iron agent that is effective for the treatment of postpartum anemia . When compared with oral ferrous sulfate , IV ferric carboxymaltose is better tolerated , prompts a more rapid Hb response , and corrects anemia more reliably . CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION : Clinical Trials.gov , www . clinical trials.gov , NCT00396292 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE :
Conclusions All currently available intravenous iron preparations appear to be safe and effective , but ferric carboxymaltose seems to provide a better and quicker correction of haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in iron-deficient patients
Background Iron deficiency is very common in a number of medical conditions .
Ferric carboxymaltose is a new stable iron preparation that can be administered in single infusions over short periods of time .
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) regarding the efficacy and safety of the novel complex compared with other iron formulations .
In addition , the feasibility of a network meta- analysis for indirect comparisons was investigated .