Controlled Randomised Trial of Ferric Carboxymaltose and Oral Iron to Treat Postpartum Anemia

The study is a multi center phase 3 trial, comprising 3 medium sized obstetrical units in Norway. The amount of iron given to the intervention group is calculated according to the modified Ganzoni formula. The control group is given the standard regime of 200 mg ferro sulphate daily. In both groups, treatment start at inclusion, within 48 h of delivery. The sample size was based on power calculations: About 200 participants are required to detect a difference of 0.5 g/dl between the groups (with 80 % power). Randomization is performed by use of opaque envelopes. An electronic CRF is applied. Laboratory analysis are provided by a recognized Swedish biochemical laboratory. Apart from hemoglobin and the common iron parameters, the serum concentration of soluble ferritin receptors will be analyzed, as well as hepcidin levels.