Analysis of Lactoferrin vs. Intravenous Iron Sucrose in Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

Abd El-Fatah, Rofida Mohamed; Elsayed, Abeer Abdelmohsen; Tadros, Mariam G.

doi:10.21608/sisj.2025.342492.1041

Analysis of Lactoferrin vs. Intravenous Iron Sucrose in Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University - Arish Branch, Arish, Egypt.

² Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University - Arish Branch, Arish, Egypt.

³ Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University - Arish Branch, Arish, Egypt.i

10.21608/sisj.2025.342492.1041

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objective: Iron deficiency is a highly prevalent dietary deficit and the leading cause of anemia. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is diagnosed when the hemoglobin content in the peripheral blood is < 11 gm/100 ml. To evaluate both the clinical efficacy and economic impact from a pharmacy standpoint and compare the cost-effectiveness of using lactoferrin versus intravenous (IV) iron sucrose in the treatment of IDA in pregnant women.
Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital at Suez Canal University Hospital from January till October 2023 and performed on a total of 88 pregnant women who presented with iron deficiency anemia.
Results: Adherence to time of doses was non-significantly more frequent in the iron sucrose group than in the lactoferrin group. Constipation, nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, and black stool were less frequent in the iron sucrose group; the differences were statistically significant only in constipation, gastric upset, and black stool. Lab cost was equal in either group. The cost of further research was not considerably greater in the lactoferrin group than in the iron sucrose group. Compared to the lactoferrin group, the iron sucrose group's drug cost was significantly lower.
Conclusion: Given their similar ability to increase hemoglobin and blood iron levels, lactoferrin and IV iron sucrose are both effective treatments for IDA in pregnant women. Lactoferrin provides an effective oral option that minimizes clinical visits, though with a higher risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

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