A pilot study on effect of intravenous iron sucrose on oxidative stress and antioxidant status of pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency among pregnant women in India. Iron can be supplemented orally or intravenously to treat IDA. Intravenous supplementation of iron can be risky as there is more possibility for the production of free iron in circulation. The role of free iron in the generation of free radicals and thereby oxidative stress is well known. The present study tends to evaluate oxidative stress and antioxidant status of intravenous iron sucrose treated pregnant women. This prospective study was conducted in ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Twenty pregnant women with moderate IDA (Hb: 7–9.9 g/dl) were included in the present study. Blood samples were collected before and after the treatment with intravenous iron sucrose to measure antioxidants such as reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation marker such as malondialdehyde. In the present study, plasma malondialdehyde levels were increased significantly after the treatment with intravenous iron sucrose. No significant alterations were observed in the levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. In the present study, intravenous iron sucrose infusion was associated with oxidative stress as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation in antenatal women with IDA. Hence, treatment with antioxidants during iron infusions can be considered.