Benefits of Ferric Carboxymaltose Administration for Enhanced Hemoglobin Levels in Urban Population of Sindh: BOFERIN® Observational Study

Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a major public health issue in developing countries, especially among women of reproductive age. Anemia is a major public health problem in women of reproductive age in rural Pakistan and a large proportion of women were found to have low levels of serum iron. Materials and Methods: A multicenter observational cohort study was conducted at Karachi & Hyderabad from 8th February 2022 to 30th April 2022. Women with low hemoglobin level and age 18-45 years were included in this study. Patients were grouped according to 1-week assessment and 3-week assessment of hemoglobin concentration. A single dose of a generic substituent ferric carboxymaltose (Boferin®) was administered to the patients over 15 minutes infusion. Baseline hemoglobin levels were compared at 1 week and 3 weeks after administration of Ferric Carboxymaltose. Results: A total of 104 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean hemoglobin levels at baseline were 9.22 ± 0.175 g/dl and 7.55 ± 0.329 g/ dl for 1-week and 3-week, respectively. The mean hemoglobin increases after 1 week and 3 week was reported as 1.4211± 0.169 g/dl (p< 0.001) and 2.321± 0.335 g/dl (p< 0.001) respectively. Only three patients presented with mild to moderate adverse effect which included abdominal discomfort and nausea. Conclusion: This is a first in class study has shown statistically significant increase in hemoglobin at 1-week and 3-week interval with minimal side effects. It is concluded that Boferin® is efficacious in increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with iron deficiency anemia with its safety being documented in pregnant Pakistani population as well.