NIH-supported researchers launch new study evaluating intravenous iron treatment for post-pregnancy anemia

NIH-supported researchers launch new study evaluating intravenous iron treatment for post-pregnancy anemia

Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health are launching a large study to evaluate a single dose of intravenous iron to treat women suffering from anemia after childbirth. The study will involve nearly 5,000 women in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia and Guatemala. It is being conducted by researchers at the Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health, a group of clinical sites funded by the NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health is providing more than $6 million in funding for the study, with contributions from a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Participants will be randomized to receive either a single dose of intravenous iron solution between six and 48 hours postpartum or a six-week supply of oral iron supplements. According to the standard of care, both groups also receive the vitamin folic acid in an infusion or as tablets.

Iron deficiency anemia increases sharply in individuals after birth, causing fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, reduced cognitive ability, depression and other symptoms. Anemia can also affect a mother's ability to care for her baby.

Previous studies have shown that intravenous iron is effective in preventing anemia in pregnancy, but it has not been studied for treating anemia after pregnancy. Researchers will compare the prevalence of mild anemia, iron levels, depression scores, quality of life scores and other measures between the two groups to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Source:

National Institutes of Health

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