COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND SAFETY PROFILE OF FERRIC CARBOXYMALTOSE VERSUS INTRAVENOUS IRON SUCROSE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most prevalent nutritional conditions globally and is associated with considerable morbidity and also worsening quality of life. Intravenous iron therapy is advised when oral therapy is ineffective or rapid iron replenishment is necessary. This study compared the safety profile and clinical outcomes of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and intravenous iron sucrose (IS) in the correction of IDA. Methods: A prospective, comparative study was performed among 132 IDA patients at Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research (KFMSR), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio and prescribed either FCM or IS. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation levels were recorded at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) scale was used to measure the quality of life. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were documented throughout the research. Results: Hematological and iron profile metrics improved in both treatment groups from baseline to week 4 (p < 0.001). Patients receiving FCM documented a higher increase in hemoglobin level, serum iron, serum ferritin, and also transferrin saturation level (p < 0.001). Both group’s FACIT-Fatigue scores significantly increased, but the FCM group’s improvement was notably greater. Adverse events were mild; eleven patients receiving IS documented nausea and vomitting, and three patients had constipation, whereas two patients receiving FCM documented infusion-site pain. There were no serious adverse events documented. Conclusion: Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose was found to be superior in terms of efficacy and safety to iron sucrose in the correction of IDA, with improved clinical outcomes, better quality of life, and fewer treatment visits.