Intravenous iron therapy for anemia in pregnant women

Early Antenatal Support for Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Initiation of Intravenous Versus Oral Iron Therapy for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

Phase 4 Interventional Thomas Jefferson University · NCT04278651

This study tests whether getting iron through an IV works better than taking iron pills for treating anemia in pregnant women.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorThomas Jefferson University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04278651 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of intravenous iron therapy compared to oral iron therapy for treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. Pregnant individuals diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia will be enrolled between 14-24 weeks of gestation and randomly assigned to receive either ferumoxytol or oral iron. The study aims to evaluate improvements in blood count, quality of life, and reduction of side effects associated with each treatment. By focusing on the second trimester, the trial seeks to determine the optimal timing and method for iron supplementation during pregnancy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women with singleton gestations diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia between 14-24 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients with sickle cell disease, severe cardiac or renal disease, or those who have previously received IV iron during the current pregnancy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for pregnant women suffering from iron deficiency anemia, leading to better health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with intravenous iron therapy in similar populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Singleton gestation
* Gestational age \<24 weeks
* Baseline Hb ≥9.0 and \<11.0 with evidence of iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia diagnosed (at any point in patient history) by:

* Hb\<11.0
* Ferritin\<30 and/or total iron saturation \<20

Exclusion Criteria:

* Sickle cell Disease (NOT sickle cell trait)
* Evidence of acute anemia requiring transfusion or IV iron therapy
* Major congenital or chromosomal anomaly
* Previous use of IV iron in this pregnancy
* Severe cardiac, renal, or liver disease
* Autoimmune disease (ie Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
* Allergy or contraindication to either study drug
* History of medication allergy, reaction to IV infusion, or reaction to Feraheme or other IV iron products

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pregnancy RelatedAnemia, Iron DeficiencyAnemia of Pregnancy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.