Preventing iron deficiency anemia in postpartum women

Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia Post-delivery (PRIORITY Trial): A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research

Phase 3 Interventional NICHD Global Network for Women's and Children's Health · NCT05590260

This study is testing whether a single IV iron infusion right after childbirth can help new moms with moderate anemia feel better compared to taking iron tablets for six weeks.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4800 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 49 Years
SexFemale
SponsorNICHD Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research network
Locations8 sites (Dhaka and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05590260 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial, known as PRIORITY, is a randomized-controlled study aimed at postpartum women diagnosed with moderate anemia shortly after childbirth. It will enroll 4,800 women across 8 sites in 7 countries, comparing the effectiveness of a single-dose IV iron infusion given within 48 hours of delivery to a regimen of oral iron tablets taken for 6 weeks. Participants will be monitored for hemoglobin levels and other health indicators at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum to assess the prevalence of anemia. The study also includes assessments of maternal mental health and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are postpartum women aged 15 to 49 who have been diagnosed with moderate anemia after delivery.

Not a fit: Patients who have received IV iron in the past 3 weeks or have contraindications to iron supplementation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum anemia, improving maternal health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with IV iron infusions for treating anemia, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Established pregnancy \>20 weeks gestation by LMP and/or clinical assessment and/ Or USG
* Age: 15 years (or lower limit age eligible\*) to 49 years
* Confirmed moderate anemia (Hb 7.0 to 9.9 g/dL, 6-48 hour after delivery based on a venous blood sample on Hemocue®)
* Deliver in participating study hospital or health facility
* Able to provide informed consent
* Plans to remain in study area for duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* IV Iron infusion received in past 3 weeks
* Contraindication to iron supplementation (some examples may include hemolytic anemia, allergy, severe infection)
* Blood transfusion already received or scheduled during the current hospital admission
* Known diagnosis of pre-existing depression or other psychiatric illness
* Stillbirth, major congenital anomaly, or neonatal loss prior to randomization
* Women testing positive and previously untreated for malaria
* Presenting with symptomatic anemia with dyspnea or fatigue and need for immediate correction
* Women with known hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell disease or thalassemia)
* Presence of severe allergic conditions such as severe asthma or known drug allergies
* Women presenting with any illness/condition requiring immediate medical care per physician's assessment

Where this trial is running

Dhaka and 7 other locations

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 Postpartum AnemiaPostpartum anemiaAnemiaPostpartumIV IronIron TabletsIronPregnancy
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.