Impact of Adjunctive Intravenous Iron Therapy on Hemoglobin Recovery in Obstetric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background

Postpartum anemia frequently requires packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion; however, the contribution of intravenous iron to early hematologic recovery remains uncertain. This study evaluated hemoglobin dynamics following transfusion and the effect of adjunctive intravenous iron therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 61 obstetric patients requiring PRBC transfusion were included. Hematologic parameters were assessed at admission, postoperatively, post-transfusion, and at day 7. Patients were stratified according to the administration of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. Hemoglobin changes and reticulocyte response were analyzed, including a subgroup receiving two PRBC units.

Results

Mean hemoglobin decreased from 9.36 ± 1.16 g/dL at admission to 6.33 ± 1.05 g/dL postoperatively, increased to 8.32 ± 0.78 g/dL after transfusion, and reached 8.75 ± 0.97 g/dL at day 7 (p < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were observed before or immediately after transfusion. At day 7, hemoglobin was significantly higher in patients receiving intravenous iron compared with those without supplementation (9.63 ± 1.03 vs. 8.03 ± 0.36 g/dL, p < 0.001). The increase in hemoglobin from post-transfusion to day 7 was greater in the iron group (1.14 ± 0.84 vs. -0.15 ± 0.33 g/dL, p < 0.001), accompanied by a higher reticulocyte response (2.56 ± 0.49% vs. 0.93 ± 0.26%, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed in the two-unit subgroup.

Conclusions

Adjunctive intravenous iron was associated with improved early hemoglobin recovery after transfusion without affecting immediate correction, supporting its clinical use in obstetric patients.