A Comparative Study between Lactoferrin versus ferrous sulfate in iron-deficiency during pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the condition in which there is decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It is caused by insufficient dietary intake and absorption of iron, or iron loss from bleeding. Bleeding can be from a range of sources such as the intestinal, uterine or urinary tract. Aim of the Work: to compare the efficacy and the safety of lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate for the treatment of iron deficiency pregnant women. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 98 women selected from pregnant women attending the antenatal outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity hospital. All patients were divided into two groups; the first group included 49 pregnant women who received lactoferrin (Pravotin100mg sachets, Hygint pharmaceuticals, Egypt) twice daily orally for 30 days which was dissolved in 1/4 glass of water before meals by 15 minutes. The second group included 49 pregnant women who received 520mg of dried ferrous sulphate tablets (Feosol tablets, Meda pharmaceuticals, Egypt) once daily orally for 30 days on empty stomach but may be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset. Results: Total increase in HB after 1month with lactoferrin was higher compared to ferrous sulfate (‐13.572 gdl)(p<0.001). Gastroinestinal adverse events occurred more frequently with ferrous sulfate than the lactoferrin group (p<0.001).The number of women requesting change the drug was higher in the ferrous sulfate group(p<0.001). Conclusion: Oral lactoferrin was better tolerated and more acceptable with higher increase in mean hemoglobin when compared to oral iron therapy over one month treatment. Oral lactoferrin can be used as a good substitute to oral iron therapy in iron deficiency during pregnancy.