A 32-year-old G2P1 at 36 weeks has iron-deficiency anaemia with Hb 7.2 g/dL, serum ferritin 6 ng/mL. She had a previous upper GI bleed and cannot tolerate oral iron. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose is planned. The advantage of ferric carboxymaltose over iron sucrose in this clinical setting is:

• A Faster onset of erythropoiesis
• B Crosses the placenta more efficiently to treat fetal anaemia
• C Has a lower risk of anaphylactic reaction than iron dextran
• D Can be administered as a single large dose (up to 1000 mg per session) unlike iron sucrose ✓

Explanation

Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) can be administered as a single IV infusion of up to 1000 mg in 15 minutes (or 20 mg/kg up to 1000 mg), allowing the full iron deficit to be corrected in 1–2 sessions. In contrast, iron sucrose is limited to 200–300 mg per session and requires multiple visits. This is a major practical advantage in late pregnancy when rapid iron repletion is needed before delivery. FCM does not cross the placenta to any clinically relevant degree. Both have very low rates of serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.