Can Fur-IV, an Iron Isomaltoside 1000 Infusion, Effectively Treat Moderate To Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Anemia during pregnancy is associated with various maternal and fetal complications, including a higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, low birth weight, and increased maternal and infant mortality. To address this, iron isomaltose 1000 (Fur-IV) has been introduced as an agent that combines iron and isomaltose 1000, allowing for a controlled and slow release of iron. This approach aims to reduce the risk of free iron toxicity while offering flexibility and convenience for high-dose administration. Studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of iron isomaltoside in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) across various treatment groups.

The present study focused on observing the impact of a single intravenous infusion of iron isomaltoside 1000 in patients with IDA within the obstetric and gynecological department. This intervention was conducted when oral iron preparations proved ineffective or in cases where there was a clinical need for rapid iron supplementation. Each patient received a single intravenous infusion of 500 mg of iron isomaltoside. Follow-up assessments were conducted, including repeated hemoglobin measurements at 15 and 30 days post-infusion, as well as investigations for serum ferritin and serum iron after 30 days.

The study findings revealed-

• A statistically significant increase in average hemoglobin concentration, with a 30.86% rise to 9.88 g/dL after 30 days of infusion.
• Significant differences between the baseline values and the values obtained after 30 days of infusion for both serum ferritin and serum iron. 

These results indicate that the administration of intravenous iron isomaltoside was well-tolerated by patients with gynecological IDA who were either intolerant or unresponsive to oral iron therapy or who required rapid iron administration.

Shah IP, Pandya M, Kadikar B, Nimbalkar P, Patel T. A prospective interventional study to observe the effectiveness of parenteral iron infusion of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Fur – IV) in obstetrics and gynecology patients suffering from moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res 2023;10(2):110-114