Postpartum Effects of Iron Treatment in Malawi
Study Overview
Anaemia is a significant issue for mothers and infants in their first year after childbirth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed whether a single dose of intravenous iron, ferric carboxymaltose, is more effective than standard oral iron for treating anaemia during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Research Methods
The study, named REVAMP, involved 862 women in Malawi who were in their second trimester with low haemoglobin levels. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either:
- Ferric Carboxymaltose: 20 mg/kg intravenously (up to 1000 mg)
- Standard Care: 60 mg of oral iron twice daily for 90 days
All participants received malaria prevention treatment. The primary goal was to evaluate anaemia prevalence at 36 weeks of pregnancy and follow up until one month postpartum.
Key Findings
The results showed that:
- Mothers who received ferric carboxymaltose had higher iron levels and lower rates of iron deficiency at 12 months postpartum.
- At 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum, anaemia was less common in mothers treated with ferric carboxymaltose compared to those on standard care.
- However, there were no significant differences in iron levels or haemoglobin in infants between the two groups.
Conclusion
This research indicates that ferric carboxymaltose treatment during the second trimester can reduce postpartum anaemia and iron deficiency in mothers. However, it does not impact the iron status of infants.
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