Lactoferrin versus Ferrous Sulphate for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Pregnancy (A Randomized Clinical Trial)

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. IDA develops when available iron is insufficient to support normal red cell production and is the most common type of anemia. Objective: Comparing the efficacy and the safety of Lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This study was done in outpatient clinic of El-Monera General Hospital, from January 2019 to March 2019, between two groups of pregnant women ranging from 20-40 years and gestational age 24-32 weeks with microcytic hypochromic anemia, mild anemia and moderate anemia for 2 months that were selected in a randomized method by the computer. Results: Oral lactoferrin was better tolerated and more acceptable with higher increase in mean hemoglobin when compared to oral iron therapy over two months treatment. Conclusion: Oral lactoferrin was better tolerated and more acceptable with higher increase in mean hemoglobin when compared to oral iron therapy over two months treatment.