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Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Tratamiento para pacientes con anemia ferropénica posparto

Información

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010861.pub2Copiar DOI
Base de datos:
  1. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Versión publicada:
  1. 13 agosto 2015see what's new
Tipo:
  1. Intervention
Etapa:
  1. Review
Grupo Editorial Cochrane:
  1. Grupo Cochrane de Embarazo y parto

Copyright:
  1. Copyright © 2015 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Contraer

Autores

  • Veronika Markova

    Correspondencia a: Department of Obstetrics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    [email protected]

  • Astrid Norgaard

    Section for Transfusion Medicine, Capital Region Bloodbank, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Karsten Juhl Jørgensen

    The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

  • Jens Langhoff‐Roos

    Department of Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark

Contributions of authors

Veronika Markova wrote the protocol update and developed this version of the review, searched the references for the background section, adjusted the methodology section, determining the outcomes and types of analyses and conducted the search in the WHO ICTRP and LILACS registries.

Veronika Markova and Astrid Norgaard independently screened the literature for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data from relevant trials. Veronika Markova entered data into Review Manager 5.3 (proofread by Astrid Norgaard), carried out the statistical analyses, produced the GRADE 'Summary of findings' tables with the support from Karsten Juhl Jørgensen and wrote review drafts.

Astrid Norgaard also provided expert knowledge on current trends in anaemia treatment options and outcomes.

Karsten Juhl Jørgensen provided expert knowledge regarding the methods. He assisted with the statistical analyses and the 'Summary of findings' tables.

Jens Langhoff‐Roos provided expert clinical knowledge on current treatment regiments for postpartum anaemia. He took part in initiating the project of this Cochrane review.

All authors reviewed all manuscript drafts and contributed to the final preparation of the review.

Sources of support

Internal sources

  • This was a non‐profit project and the co‐authors did not receive financial support for their efforts, Denmark.

External sources

  • No sources of support supplied

Declarations of interest

Jens Langhoff‐Roos and Astrid Norgaard are supervisors of an ongoing PhD study (Holm 2015) at University of Copenhagen by Charlotte Holm. The PhD study (EUCTR2012‐005783‐10‐DK) is partly financed by Pharmacosmos which supplies IV iron for the studies. Jens Langhoff‐Roos has no financial interest in this or other pharmaceutical companies. Astrid Norgaard is the principal investigator of one clinical trial and the sponsor of another clinical trial, both partly financed by Pharmacosmos (EudraCT Number 2012‐001529‐28 and 2013‐004979‐13) ‐ neither of these trials would be potentially eligible for inclusion in this review. Astrid Norgaard has no financial interest in this or other pharmaceutical companies.

Veronika Markova: none known

Karsten Juhl Jørgensen: none known

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the important work of the previous review team (Dodd 2004).

We are grateful for the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register search provided by Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Search Co‐ordinator.

Also, we are very grateful to those corresponding authors and trial investigators who took the time to answer our questions and provided the requested information (Backe 2009;Daniilidis 2011; Froessler 2013; Giannoulis 2009; Guerra 2012; Krafft 2011; Prick 2014; Van Wyck 2007; Wagstrom 2007; Westad 2008).

As part of the pre‐publication editorial process, this review has been commented on by two peers (an editor and referee who is external to the editorial team), a member of the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's international panel of consumers and the Group's Statistical Adviser.

This project was supported by the National Institute for Health Research, via Cochrane Infrastructure funding to Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Systematic Reviews Programme, NIHR, NHS or the Department of Health.

Version history

Published

Title

Stage

Authors

Version

2015 Aug 13

Treatment for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Review

Veronika Markova, Astrid Norgaard, Karsten Juhl Jørgensen, Jens Langhoff‐Roos

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010861.pub2

2013 Dec 02

Treatment for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Protocol

Veronika Markova, Astrid Nørgaard, Karsten Juhl Jørgensen, Jens Langhoff‐Roos

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010861

Differences between protocol and review

Section: Objectives

Protocol

To assess the efficacy and safety of the available treatment modalities for women with postpartum iron deficiency. These include oral and parenteral iron supplementation, folate, erythropoietin, and blood transfusion.

Review

To assess the efficacy and harms of the available treatment modalities for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia. These include oral and parenteral iron, erythropoietin, and blood transfusion.

Comment

We have now learned that the term "safety" is mostly used by intervention trials and indicates a positive tone. We find the term "harms" more appropriate, as we report on registered adverse events of treatment and thus on lack of safety. Also, it is not appropriate to list folate as a treatment for iron deficiency anaemia.

Section: Types of interventions

Protocol

Iron supplementation administered orally or parenterally, either alone or in combination with folate, erythropoietin or blood transfusion started within the first six weeks after giving birth and compared with placebo, another treatment, or no treatment.

Review

Treatment for postpartum iron deficiency anaemia started within the first six weeks after giving birth compared with placebo, no treatment or another treatment.

Currently, accepted treatment for iron deficiency anaemia includes blood transfusion or iron supplementation administered orally or parenterally, either alone or in combination with folate and/or erythropoietin.

Folat supplementation was not considered as an independent treatment of iron deficiency anaemia, but was accepted as a part of other types of treatment for postpartum iron deficiency anaemia.

New treatment modalities appropriate for iron deficiency anaemia will be included in future updates.

Comment

This to ensure inclusion of any new treatments appropriate for iron deficiency anaemia that will be investigated in the future.

Section: Outcomes

Protocol

Primary outcomes

  1. Maternal mortality.

  2. Fatigue (as reported by the women ‐ verbalisation of fatigue or lack of energy and inability to maintain usual routines; measured by a scale or questionnaire; or as defined by the trial authors).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Persistent anaemia symptoms during treatment. Any of the following symptoms: dyspnoea, tachypnoea, tachycardia, palpitations, orthostatic dizziness, syncopation, paleness.

  2. Psychological well being (including cognitive performance); measured by the ’Blues Questionnaire’ (Kennerley 1989), ’Selfreport symptom inventory 90 [SCL‐90‐R]’ (Schmitz 1999), ’SF36 [Medical Outcomes Study Short Form]’ (Ware 2000), or similar questionnaire; or as defined by the trial authors).

  3. Urinary tract infection, endometritis, or other infections (as defined by the trial authors).

  4. Compliance to treatment (as defined by the trial authors).

  5. Breastfeeding (at hospital discharge; six weeks postpartum; six months postpartum).

  6. Length of hospital stay.

  7. Any adverse events during treatment (each type of harm analysed individually, when possible).

  8. Number of red blood cell transfusions (number of transfused women and number of red blood cell units per woman).

We will not apply any restrictions regarding follow‐up periods, to avoid excluding data on any long‐term benefits or harms. Studies of included interventions that do not report any of the above mentioned outcomes will be described in the ’Characteristics of included studies’ section, but will not be included in any meta‐analyses.

We plan to include the following outcomes in the ’Summary of findings’ tables of the review, using the Grade Profiler programme (GRADEpro).

  1. Maternal mortality

  2. Fatigue

  3. Constipation (when treatment was oral iron substitution)

  4. Allergic reactions (when treatment was intravenous iron)

Review

Primary outcomes

  1. Maternal mortality: We considered that no women died only if: a) this was stated explicitly, or b) no dropouts occurred during follow‐up, or c) contact authors provided this information on request. Mortality was considered present only if: a) stated explicitly in published report or b) contact authors provided this information on request. Mortality was assessed as not reported if a) no mention of dropouts or their causes, b) all dropouts not accounted for, c) dropouts not explicitly reported to be alive at the end of the follow‐up period.

  2. Fatigue: as reported by the women ‐ verbalisation of fatigue or lack of energy and inability to maintain usual routines; measured by a scale or questionnaire; or as defined by the trial authors. Short‐term and long‐term results, thus the minimal and maximal time from baseline.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Persistent anaemia symptoms during treatment. Any of the following symptoms: dyspnoea, tachypnoea, tachycardia, palpitations, orthostatic dizziness, syncopation, paleness.

  2. Psychological well being, including cognitive performance, measured by the 'Blues Questionnaire' (Kennerley 1989), 'Self‐report symptom inventory 90 [SCL‐90‐R]' (Schmitz 1999), 'SF36 [Medical Outcomes Study Short Form]' (Ware 2000) or similar questionnaire; or as defined by the trial authors. Only short‐term results, thus the minimal time from baseline.

  3. Urinary tract infection, endometritis, or other infections (as defined by the trial authors).

  4. Compliance to treatment (as defined by the trial authors).

  5. Breastfeeding (at hospital discharge; six weeks postpartum; six months postpartum).

  6. Length of hospital stay.

  7. Any adverse events during treatment (each type of harm analysed individually, when possible).

  8. Number of RBC transfusions (number of transfused women and number of RBC units per woman).

For outcomes other than psychological well being, we did not apply any restrictions regarding follow‐up periods to avoid excluding data on any long‐term benefits or harms. We did not apply language restrictions.

We planned to include the following outcomes in the 'Summary of findings' tables of the review, using the Grade Profiler programme (GRADEpro 2014).

  1. Maternal mortality

  2. Fatigue

  3. Constipation (for oral iron substitution)

  4. Allergic reactions (for intravenous iron)

The comparisons included in a 'Summary of findings' tables were chosen based on relevance to current treatment standards according to clinical experts. Therefore we chose not to include treatment with IV EPO or yeast extract in a 'Summary of findings' table, as these methods are no longer practiced. For the treatment‐specific outcomes listed above (constipation and allergic reactions,) the results were included in a 'Summary of findings' table if the specific treatment was present in only one of the study arms.

We chose to include additional outcomes in the 'Summary of findings' tables, which we found important for clinical decision making for each individual treatment modality, when this treatment was present in only one of the study arms. For comparisons with IV iron, this outcome was infections. For comparisons with oral iron we included all GI symptoms combined. For comparisons with RBC transfusions we included infections, thromboembolic events and transfusion‐specific adverse events, such as alloantibody formation and transfusion reactions. For comparisons with EPO, thromboembolic events were essential. For all comparisons which met the above mentioned criteria, we found it important to include anaemia symptoms.

Comment

Mortality is an important primary outcome, and it should be clear how we interpreted the data.

Quality of life outcomes (fatigue and psychological well being) were reported in a manner that produced a very large amount of data. This was due to reporting on multiple domains at multiple different time points. We had to rationally restrict this vast amount of analyses to a manageable and amount of information.

The additional outcomes in the 'Summary of findings' tables are important for clinical decision making.

Section: Sensitivity analysis

Protocol

We plan to carry out a sensitivity analysis based on trial design involving trials with a low risk of bias in all bias domains of the ’Risk of bias’ tool, thus removing trials with a high or unclear risk of bias in any domain.
We will also carry out sensitivity analyses to explore the effects of random‐effects analyses for outcomes with statistical heterogeneity and the effects of any assumptions made such as the value of the ICC used for cluster‐randomised trials.
We will use our primary outcomes only (maternal mortality and fatigue) in the sensitivity analyses.

Review

We planned to carry out a sensitivity analysis based on trial design, thus excluding trials with a high risk of selection, performance, and detection bias.

We also planned to carry out sensitivity analyses to explore the effects of random‐effects analyses for outcomes with statistical heterogeneity and the effects of any assumptions made such as the value of the ICC used for cluster‐randomised trials.
We planned sensitivity analyses only for our primary outcomes (maternal mortality and fatigue). Provided that enough data become available, we will attempt to carry out sensitivity analyses for all comparisons in future updates.

Comment

The original phrase was far too restrictive, as it is practically impossible to find a trial with low risk of bias in all domains, and we would never be able to make sensitivity analyses. Sensitivity analyses on the above mentioned domains will allow us to investigate the effect of trial design, thus factors directly controlled by the trial authors.

Section: Assessment of risk of bias in included studies

Protocol

Standart text listing all seven bias domains (please see the protocol for this review).

Review

Two review authors (VM and AN) independently assessed risk of bias for each study using the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and a 'Risk of bias' table (Higgins 2011). As per Cochrane standards, we assessed selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and other bias. Each type of bias was assessed as low, high, or unclear. All disagreements were resolved by discussion, or by involving a third assessor (KJ or Jens Langhoff‐Roos (JLR)).

We made explicit judgements about whether studies were at high risk of bias, according to the criteria given in the Cochrane Handbook (Higgins 2011). Where possible, we assessed the likely magnitude and direction of the bias and whether we considered if it was likely to impact the findings. We explored the impact of bias through Sensitivity analysis.

We used Grade Profiler (GRADEpro 2014) to make 'Summary of findings' tables. We included our primary outcomes, constipation (when treated with oral iron), and allergic reactions (when treated with intravenous (IV) iron). We also included additional outcomes, which we considered important for the decision‐making process.

Comment

We received permission to simply refer to the Cochrane Handbook in the 'Assessment of risk of bias in included studies' section, instead of copying the standard text along with the seven listed bias domains. We are aware that traditionally this complete text is written in Pregnancy and Childbirth Group reviews. However, it is fully described in the easily accessible Cochrane Handbook and refraining from citing the whole text saves a lot of space.

Keywords

MeSH

PICO

Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome

El uso y la enseñanza del modelo PICO están muy extendidos en el ámbito de la atención sanitaria basada en la evidencia para formular preguntas y estrategias de búsqueda y para caracterizar estudios o metanálisis clínicos. PICO son las siglas en inglés de cuatro posibles componentes de una pregunta de investigación: paciente, población o problema; intervención; comparación; desenlace (outcome).

Para saber más sobre el uso del modelo PICO, puede consultar el Manual Cochrane.

Study flow diagram.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 1

Study flow diagram.

'Risk of bias' graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 2

'Risk of bias' graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
Figuras y tablas -
Figure 3

'Risk of bias' summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Maternal mortality.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Maternal mortality.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Fatigue ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Fatigue ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 3 Fatigue ‐ 42 days.
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Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 3 Fatigue ‐ 42 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 4 SF‐36: Physical F(x) ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 4 SF‐36: Physical F(x) ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ day 14.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ day 14.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 10 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 10 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 11 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 14 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 11 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 14 days.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 12 Depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 12 Depression.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 13 Infections.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 13 Infections.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 14 Compliance to treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 14 Compliance to treatment.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 15 All gastrointestinal symptoms.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 15 All gastrointestinal symptoms.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 16 Constipation.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 16 Constipation.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 17 Nausea.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 17 Nausea.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 18 Gastrointestinal pain.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.18

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 18 Gastrointestinal pain.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 19 Diarrhoea.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.19

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 19 Diarrhoea.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 20 Vomiting.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.20

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 20 Vomiting.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 21 Dyspepsia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.21

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 21 Dyspepsia.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 22 Dysgeusia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.22

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 22 Dysgeusia.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 23 Headache.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.23

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 23 Headache.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 24 Hepatic involvement.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.24

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 24 Hepatic involvement.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 25 Injection site discomfort.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.25

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 25 Injection site discomfort.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 26 Skin rash.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.26

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 26 Skin rash.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 27 Urticaria.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.27

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 27 Urticaria.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 28 Flush.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.28

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 28 Flush.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 29 Muscle cramp.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.29

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 29 Muscle cramp.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 30 Pain (not specified).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.30

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 30 Pain (not specified).

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 31 Seriouse adverse events (not specified).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.31

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 31 Seriouse adverse events (not specified).

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 32 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.32

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 32 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 33 Arythmia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 1.33

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 33 Arythmia.

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 34 Red blood cell transfusion.
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Analysis 1.34

Comparison 1 Intravenous iron versus oral iron, Outcome 34 Red blood cell transfusion.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 1 General fatigue ‐ 3 days.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 1 General fatigue ‐ 3 days.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 2 General fatigue ‐ 6 weeks.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 2 General fatigue ‐ 6 weeks.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 3 SF‐36: Physical functioning ‐ 1 week.
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Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 3 SF‐36: Physical functioning ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 4 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 4 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ 1 week.
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Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 1 week.
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Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 1 week.
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Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 1 week.
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Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 10 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 2.10

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 10 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 11 Infections.
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Analysis 2.11

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 11 Infections.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 12 Compliance to treatment.
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Analysis 2.12

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 12 Compliance to treatment.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 13 Breastfeeding at six weeks.
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Analysis 2.13

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 13 Breastfeeding at six weeks.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 14 Erythrocyte alloantibody formation.
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Analysis 2.14

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 14 Erythrocyte alloantibody formation.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 15 Rash.
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Analysis 2.15

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 15 Rash.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 16 Fever.
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Analysis 2.16

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 16 Fever.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 17 Thromboembolic events.
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Analysis 2.17

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 17 Thromboembolic events.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 18 Parenteral iron intolerance.
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Analysis 2.18

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 18 Parenteral iron intolerance.

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 19 Transfusion reactions.
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Analysis 2.19

Comparison 2 Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion, Outcome 19 Transfusion reactions.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 1 Digit Symbol Substitution test ‐ 10 weeks.
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Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 1 Digit Symbol Substitution test ‐ 10 weeks.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 2 EPDS ‐ 10 weeks.
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Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 2 EPDS ‐ 10 weeks.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 3 STAI ‐ 10 weeks.
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Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 3 STAI ‐ 10 weeks.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 4 Percieved Stress ‐ 10 weeks.
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Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 4 Percieved Stress ‐ 10 weeks.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 5 Breastfeeding at two days postpartum.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 5 Breastfeeding at two days postpartum.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 6 Back pain.
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Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 6 Back pain.

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 7 All gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3 Oral iron versus placebo, Outcome 7 All gastrointestinal symptoms.

Comparison 4 Oral iron, magnesium oxide and yeast extract versus placebo, Outcome 1 All gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 Oral iron, magnesium oxide and yeast extract versus placebo, Outcome 1 All gastrointestinal symptoms.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 1 All gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 1 All gastrointestinal symptoms.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 2 Abdominal pain.
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Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 2 Abdominal pain.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 3 Constipation.
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Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 3 Constipation.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 4 Diarrhoea.
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Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 4 Diarrhoea.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 5 Nausea.
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Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 5 Nausea.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 6 Dysgeusia.
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Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 6 Dysgeusia.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 7 Flatulence.
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Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 7 Flatulence.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 8 Melaena.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.8

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 8 Melaena.

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 9 Headache.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 5.9

Comparison 5 Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12), Outcome 9 Headache.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.1

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 1 week.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 2 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.2

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 2 week.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 3 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 6 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.3

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 3 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 6 week.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 4 EPDS ‐ 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.4

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 4 EPDS ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 5 Length of hospital stay.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.5

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 5 Length of hospital stay.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 6 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 1 week.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.6

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 6 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 1 week.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 7 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 2 weeks.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.7

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 7 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 2 weeks.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 8 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 6 weeks.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.8

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 8 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 6 weeks.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 9 Red blood cell transfusion.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.9

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 9 Red blood cell transfusion.

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 10 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 6.10

Comparison 6 Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 10 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 1 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.1

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 1 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 2 Infections.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.2

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 2 Infections.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 3 Compliance to treatment.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.3

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 3 Compliance to treatment.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 4 Breasfeeding.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.4

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 4 Breasfeeding.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 5 Dysgeusia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.5

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 5 Dysgeusia.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 6 Flush.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.6

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 6 Flush.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 7 Diarrhoea.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.7

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 7 Diarrhoea.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 8 Headache.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.8

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 8 Headache.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 9 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.9

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 9 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes).

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 10 Dizziness.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.10

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 10 Dizziness.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 11 Thrombophlebitis.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.11

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 11 Thrombophlebitis.

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 12 Red blood cell transfusion.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 7.12

Comparison 7 Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 12 Red blood cell transfusion.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 1 Postpartum depression.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.1

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 1 Postpartum depression.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 2 Infections.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.2

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 2 Infections.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 3 Headache.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.3

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 3 Headache.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 4 Low blood pressure.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.4

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 4 Low blood pressure.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 5 Diarrhoea.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.5

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 5 Diarrhoea.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 6 Dizziness.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.6

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 6 Dizziness.

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 7 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.7

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 7 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes).

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 8 Red blood cell transfusion.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 8.8

Comparison 8 Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron, Outcome 8 Red blood cell transfusion.

Comparison 9 Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron, Outcome 1 Leg paraesthesia.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.1

Comparison 9 Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron, Outcome 1 Leg paraesthesia.

Comparison 9 Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron, Outcome 2 Red blood cell transfusion.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 9.2

Comparison 9 Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron, Outcome 2 Red blood cell transfusion.

Comparison 10 Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Breastfeeding.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.1

Comparison 10 Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 1 Breastfeeding.

Comparison 10 Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Red blood cell transfusions.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 10.2

Comparison 10 Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron, Outcome 2 Red blood cell transfusions.

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 1 Heterogeneity ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 14.1

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 1 Heterogeneity ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1.

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 2 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 14.2

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 2 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1.

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 3 Heterogeneity ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 14.3

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 3 Heterogeneity ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1.

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 4 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 14.4

Comparison 14 Sensitivity analysis, Outcome 4 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1.

Summary of findings for the main comparison. Intravenous iron compared with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia (Comparison 1)

Intravenous iron compared with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care units
Intervention: intravenous iron
Comparison: oral iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Oral iron

Intravenous iron

Maternal mortality
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 2.95
(0.12 to 71.96)

374
(2 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low1,2,3,4

1 maternal death was reported across the included studies.

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Moderate

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Fatigue at 14, 28, and 42 days
Fatigue Linear Analog Scale Assessment. Scale from: 0 to 100.
Follow‐up: 14‐42 days

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

361
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low3,5,6

No statistically significant difference was found at days 14 and 42 days.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Infections
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 41 days

Study population

RR 1.7
(0.58 to 5.03)

718
(3 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,4,7

86 per 1000

146 per 1000
(50 to 432)

Moderate

34 per 1000

58 per 1000
(20 to 171)

Constipation
Reported by the women
Follow‐up: mean 46 days

Study population

RR 0.21
(0.11 to 0.39)

1217
(6 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low4,5

114 per 1000

24 per 1000
(13 to 44)

Moderate

112 per 1000

24 per 1000
(12 to 44)

All gastrointestinal symptoms
Reported by the women
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 0.31
(0.2 to 0.47)

1307
(8 studies)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low4,5

216 per 1000

67 per 1000
(43 to 102)

Moderate

261 per 1000

81 per 1000
(52 to 123)

Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 40 days

Study population

RR 2.78
(0.31 to 24.92)

1454
(8 studies)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low1,2,4

3 cases of allergic reactions all occurred in the group treated with intravenous iron.

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Moderate

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio;

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 The outcome is unlikely to be influenced by risk of bias and so we did not downgrade the evidence for this outcome: open‐label design combined with a objective outcome measure.
2 Downgraded one level due to imprecision: small sample size, few events, broad confidence intervals: likely to lower confidence in effect.
3 Downgraded one level due to risk of bias: at least 1 study suitable for this comparison was terminated by trial sponsors. This trial had fatigue as a pre‐planned outcome. This raises serious concern on the amount of unpublished results which may have been unfavourable to trial sponsors.
4 Downgraded one level due to risk of bias: several studies did not report important harms.
5 Downgraded two levels due to risk of bias: open‐label design combined with a subjective outcome measure.
6 Downgraded one level due to imprecision: broad confidence intervals for raw means and small sample size: likely to lower confidence in effect.
7 Downgraded one level due to inconsistency: significant statistical heterogeneity: I2 = 72%.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings for the main comparison. Intravenous iron compared with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia (Comparison 1)
Summary of findings 2. Red blood cell transfusion compared with non‐transfusion (Comparison 2)

Red blood cell transfusion compared with non‐transfusion for postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: patients with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care unit
Intervention: red blood cell transfusion
Comparison: non‐transfusion

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Non‐transfusion

RBC transfusion

Maternal mortality ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Fatigue
Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Scale from: 4 to 20.
Follow‐up: 3‐42 days

See comment

See comment

519
(1 study)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low1

General fatigue at 3 days was 0.8 lower (1.53 to 0.07) in the transfused group. No statistically significant difference was seen at six weeks.

Persistent anaemia symptoms
Reported by the women
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

Not estimable

519
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

The outcome was not systematically registered/reported.

See comment

See comment

Moderate

Infections
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 0.93
(0.53 to 1.61)

519
(1 study)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate3

92 per 1000

86 per 1000
(49 to 148)

Moderate

92 per 1000

86 per 1000
(49 to 148)

Erythrocyte alloantibody formation
Laboratory assessment
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 3.03
(0.12 to 74.15)

519
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low3,4,5

There was no systematical screening for this outcome in the study population.

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Moderate

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Thromboembolic events
Assessment method not described
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 1.01
(0.14 to 7.13)

519
(1 study)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low6,7

8 per 1000

8 per 1000
(1 to 55)

Moderate

8 per 1000

8 per 1000
(1 to 57)

Transfusion reactions
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 7.08
(0.37 to 136.41)

519
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low3,5

3 cases of transfusion reactions occurred in the transfusion group.

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

Moderate

0 per 1000

0 per 1000
(0 to 0)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Downgraded two levels due to risk of bias: open‐label design combined with a subjective outcome measure.
2 Downgraded one level due to study limitations: the outcome was not systematically registered/reported.
3 The outcome is unlikely to be influenced by risk of bias and so we did not downgrade the evidence for this outcome: open‐label design combined with a objective outcome measure.
4 Downgraded one level due to study limitations: the women were not systematically screened for the presence of antibodies.
5 Downgraded two levels due to imprecision: very broad confidence interval.
6 Downgraded one level due to risk of bias: open‐label study, method for detection not descried.
7 Downgraded one level due to imprecision: broad confidence interval.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 2. Red blood cell transfusion compared with non‐transfusion (Comparison 2)
Summary of findings 3. Oral iron compared with placebo (Comparison 3)

Oral iron compared with placebo for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care units
Intervention: oral iron
Comparison: placebo

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo

Oral iron

Maternal mortality ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms
Reported by the women
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

Not estimable

(1)

See comment

Symptoms of anaemia were not reported for the anaemic groups separately.

See comment

See comment

Moderate

All gastrointestinal symptoms
Reported by the patients
Follow‐up: mean 30 days

Study population

RR 1
(0.36 to 2.79)

68
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2,3

176 per 1000

176 per 1000
(64 to 492)

Moderate

177 per 1000

177 per 1000
(64 to 494)

Constipation ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Downgraded two levels due to risk of bias: open‐label design combined with a subjective outcome measure.
2 Downgraded one level due to imprecision: small sample size, single study ‐ likely to lower confidence in effect.
3 Downgraded one level due to study limitations: adverse events not reported separately.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 3. Oral iron compared with placebo (Comparison 3)
Summary of findings 4. Intravenous iron with oral iron compared with oral iron (Comparison 6)

Intravenous iron with oral iron compared with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care unit
Intervention: intravenous iron with oral iron
Comparison: oral iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Oral iron

Intravenous iron with oral iron

Maternal mortality

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

In 1 study no maternal deaths were reported. The other study did not report on maternal mortality.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ 1 week
Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 7
Follow‐up: mean 7 days

Study population

RR 1.75
(0.56 to 5.46)

72
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

111 per 1000

194 per 1000
(62 to 607)

Moderate

111 per 1000

194 per 1000
(62 to 606)

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ 2 weeks
Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 7
Follow‐up: mean 14 days

Study population

RR 0.6
(0.15 to 2.33)

72
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

139 per 1000

83 per 1000
(21 to 324)

Moderate

139 per 1000

83 per 1000
(21 to 324)

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ 6 weeks
Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 7
Follow‐up: mean 42 days

Study population

RR 3
(0.33 to 27.5)

72
(1 study)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
very low1,2

28 per 1000

83 per 1000
(9 to 764)

Moderate

28 per 1000

84 per 1000
(9 to 770)

Infections ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity
Clinical assessment
Follow‐up: mean 28 days

Study population

Not estimable

0
(1 study)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low1

1 study reported 0 events, other study pooled adverse events, not reporting allergic reactions separately. Thus the effect was not estimable.

See comment

See comment

Moderate

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

1 Downgraded two levels due to risk of bias: the included study had high risk of attrition and reporting bias.
2 Downgraded one level due to imprecision: small sample size, single study.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 4. Intravenous iron with oral iron compared with oral iron (Comparison 6)
Summary of findings 5. Erythropoietin (regardless of rout) with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron (Comparison 7)

Erythropoietin (regardless of rout) with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care units
Intervention: erythropoietin (regardless of rout) with intravenous iron
Comparison: intravenous iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Intravenous iron

EPO (regardless of rout) with IV iron

Maternal mortality

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

In 1 study no maternal deaths were reported. The other study did not report on maternal mortality.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Thromboembolic events ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 5. Erythropoietin (regardless of rout) with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron (Comparison 7)
Summary of findings 6. Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U of doses with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron (Comparison 8)

Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U of doses with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: patients with women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care unit
Intervention: subcutaneous EPO of 2 doses of 10,000 U with intravenous iron
Comparison: intravenous iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Intravenous iron

Erythropoietin 10,000 U 2 doses with intravenous iron

Maternal mortality ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Thromboembolic events ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 6. Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U of doses with intravenous iron compared with intravenous iron (Comparison 8)
Summary of findings 7. Subcutaneous EPO with oral iron compared with oral iron (Comparison 10)

Subcutaneous EPO with oral iron compared with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care unit
Intervention: subcutaneous EPO with oral iron
Comparison: oral iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Oral iron

Subcutaneous EPO with oral iron

Maternal mortality

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

40
(0)

See comment

No maternal deaths were reported.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Thromboembolic events ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval; RR: Risk ratio.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 7. Subcutaneous EPO with oral iron compared with oral iron (Comparison 10)
Summary of findings 8. Subcutaneous EPO with intravenous iron and oral iron compared with intravenous iron with oral iron (Comparison 12)

Subcutaneous EPO with IV iron and oral iron compared with intravenous iron with oral iron for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia

Patient or population: women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
Settings: obstetric care units
Intervention: subcutaneous EPO with intravenous iron and oral iron
Comparison: intravenous iron with oral iron

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No of Participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Intravenous iron + oral iron

Subcutaneous EPO + IV iron + oral iron

Maternal mortality ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Fatigue ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Persistent anaemia symptoms ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

Thromboembolic events ‐ not reported

See comment

See comment

Not estimable

See comment

Not reported.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: Confidence interval.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -
Summary of findings 8. Subcutaneous EPO with intravenous iron and oral iron compared with intravenous iron with oral iron (Comparison 12)
Comparison 1. Intravenous iron versus oral iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Maternal mortality Show forest plot

2

374

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.95 [0.12, 71.96]

2 Fatigue ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

322

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.30 [‐8.04, 1.44]

3 Fatigue ‐ 42 days Show forest plot

1

329

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.10 [‐6.77, 2.57]

4 SF‐36: Physical F(x) ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

320

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [‐3.84, 5.64]

5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.50 [‐2.03, 9.03]

6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ day 14 Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐6.00, 4.60]

7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.70 [‐3.09, 4.49]

8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.90 [‐3.64, 5.44]

9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.10 [‐4.06, 6.26]

10 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.0 [‐4.08, 6.08]

11 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 14 days Show forest plot

1

321

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐1.20 [‐4.84, 2.44]

12 Depression Show forest plot

1

361

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 8.00]

13 Infections Show forest plot

3

718

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.70 [0.58, 5.03]

14 Compliance to treatment Show forest plot

5

890

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.17 [1.01, 1.35]

15 All gastrointestinal symptoms Show forest plot

8

1307

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [0.20, 0.47]

16 Constipation Show forest plot

6

1217

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.11, 0.39]

17 Nausea Show forest plot

4

745

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.30 [0.11, 0.81]

18 Gastrointestinal pain Show forest plot

4

543

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.18 [0.04, 0.83]

19 Diarrhoea Show forest plot

3

569

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.11 [0.02, 0.59]

20 Vomiting Show forest plot

1

128

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [0.02, 9.66]

21 Dyspepsia Show forest plot

2

93

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.04, 3.20]

22 Dysgeusia Show forest plot

4

543

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

7.20 [1.63, 31.76]

23 Headache Show forest plot

4

1124

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.93 [0.87, 4.29]

24 Hepatic involvement Show forest plot

3

996

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.45 [0.12, 1.71]

25 Injection site discomfort Show forest plot

4

702

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.72 [1.03, 21.54]

26 Skin rash Show forest plot

2

489

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.34 [0.79, 6.97]

27 Urticaria Show forest plot

1

291

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.14 [0.47, 36.59]

28 Flush Show forest plot

2

124

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

9.00 [1.18, 68.81]

29 Muscle cramp Show forest plot

2

371

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

6.05 [0.74, 49.68]

30 Pain (not specified) Show forest plot

1

128

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.42 [0.44, 159.82]

31 Seriouse adverse events (not specified) Show forest plot

1

291

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.26, 4.06]

32 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity Show forest plot

8

1454

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.31, 24.92]

33 Arythmia Show forest plot

1

90

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.26 [0.18, 101.86]

34 Red blood cell transfusion Show forest plot

4

606

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.48 [0.19, 1.23]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Intravenous iron versus oral iron
Comparison 2. Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 General fatigue ‐ 3 days Show forest plot

1

388

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.80 [‐1.53, ‐0.07]

2 General fatigue ‐ 6 weeks Show forest plot

1

318

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.25 [‐1.22, 0.72]

3 SF‐36: Physical functioning ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

368

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.67 [0.84, 10.50]

4 SF‐36: Social function ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

369

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.34 [0.11, 10.57]

5 SF‐36: Physical role ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

366

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.56 [‐1.41, 10.53]

6 SF‐36: Bodily pain ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

368

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.0 [‐5.90, 1.90]

7 SF‐36: General health ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

369

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.18 [‐1.47, 5.83]

8 SF‐36: Vitality ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

369

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.88 [‐2.01, 5.77]

9 SF‐36: Emotional role ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

368

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.37 [‐4.51, 13.25]

10 SF‐36: Mental health ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

369

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.21 [‐2.29, 4.71]

11 Infections Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.93 [0.53, 1.61]

12 Compliance to treatment Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.11 [1.06, 1.17]

13 Breastfeeding at six weeks Show forest plot

1

297

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.91 [0.78, 1.07]

14 Erythrocyte alloantibody formation Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.03 [0.12, 74.15]

15 Rash Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.03 [0.12, 74.15]

16 Fever Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.06 [0.24, 104.84]

17 Thromboembolic events Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.14, 7.13]

18 Parenteral iron intolerance Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.34 [0.01, 8.24]

19 Transfusion reactions Show forest plot

1

519

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.08 [0.37, 136.41]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Red blood cell transfusion versus no transfusion
Comparison 3. Oral iron versus placebo

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Digit Symbol Substitution test ‐ 10 weeks Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [‐2.76, 2.76]

2 EPDS ‐ 10 weeks Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.10 [‐0.86, 1.06]

3 STAI ‐ 10 weeks Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.40 [‐3.18, 2.38]

4 Percieved Stress ‐ 10 weeks Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.1 [1.70, 6.50]

5 Breastfeeding at two days postpartum Show forest plot

1

122

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.82 [0.58, 1.17]

6 Back pain Show forest plot

1

150

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.42, 1.03]

7 All gastrointestinal symptoms Show forest plot

1

68

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.36, 2.79]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 3. Oral iron versus placebo
Comparison 4. Oral iron, magnesium oxide and yeast extract versus placebo

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All gastrointestinal symptoms Show forest plot

1

67

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.75 [1.23, 6.16]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 4. Oral iron, magnesium oxide and yeast extract versus placebo
Comparison 5. Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 All gastrointestinal symptoms Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.43 [0.83, 2.45]

2 Abdominal pain Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.72 [0.55, 13.48]

3 Constipation Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.55, 2.60]

4 Diarrhoea Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.27 [0.35, 30.51]

5 Nausea Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.26 [0.14, 78.49]

6 Dysgeusia Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.26 [0.14, 78.49]

7 Flatulence Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.02, 8.72]

8 Melaena Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.02, 8.72]

9 Headache Show forest plot

1

117

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.36 [0.02, 8.72]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 5. Intravenous iron and oral iron after 4 weeks versus oral iron (week 5‐12)
Comparison 6. Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 1 week Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.75 [0.56, 5.46]

2 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 2 week Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.6 [0.15, 2.33]

3 Persistent anaemia symptoms on a VAS scale: 6 week Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.0 [0.33, 27.50]

4 EPDS ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.0 [0.65, 13.88]

5 Length of hospital stay Show forest plot

1

72

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐1.02, 0.42]

6 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 1 week Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.21, 2.16]

7 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 2 weeks Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.29 [0.06, 1.28]

8 Adverse events (pooled) ‐ 6 weeks Show forest plot

1

72

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.4 [0.08, 1.93]

9 Red blood cell transfusion Show forest plot

2

112

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.15, 6.72]

10 Anaphylaxis or evidence of hypersensitivity Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 6. Intravenous iron and oral iron versus oral iron
Comparison 7. Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

2 Infections Show forest plot

2

80

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.0 [0.72, 5.59]

3 Compliance to treatment Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.91, 1.10]

4 Breasfeeding Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.0 [0.91, 1.10]

5 Dysgeusia Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.27, 1.88]

6 Flush Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.0 [0.20, 20.33]

7 Diarrhoea Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

8 Headache Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.14 [0.01, 2.60]

9 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes) Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.2 [0.01, 3.92]

10 Dizziness Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

11 Thrombophlebitis Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.0 [0.26, 98.00]

12 Red blood cell transfusion Show forest plot

2

80

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.0 [0.13, 69.52]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 7. Erythropoietin (regardless of route) and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron
Comparison 8. Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Postpartum depression Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

2 Infections Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.19, 2.93]

3 Headache Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.12, 3.57]

4 Low blood pressure Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.0 [0.13, 69.52]

5 Diarrhoea Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

6 Dizziness Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.72]

7 Itching (including elevated liver enzymes) Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.2 [0.01, 3.92]

8 Red blood cell transfusion Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 8. Subcutaneous EPO 10,000 U two doses and intravenous iron versus intravenous iron
Comparison 9. Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Leg paraesthesia Show forest plot

2

76

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.08, 6.65]

2 Red blood cell transfusion Show forest plot

2

100

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 9. Intravenous EPO, intravenous iron and oral iron versus intravenous iron and oral iron
Comparison 10. Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Breastfeeding Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.9 [1.21, 2.98]

2 Red blood cell transfusions Show forest plot

1

40

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.2 [0.01, 3.92]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 10. Subcutaneous EPO and oral iron versus oral iron
Comparison 14. Sensitivity analysis

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Heterogeneity ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1 Show forest plot

2

374

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.62, 1.84]

2 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Infections ‐ comparison 1 Show forest plot

3

718

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.93, 2.38]

3 Heterogeneity ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1 Show forest plot

2

652

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.22 [0.06, 0.75]

4 Heterogeneity, fixed effect ‐ Hepatic involvement ‐ comparison 1 Show forest plot

3

996

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.21, 1.07]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 14. Sensitivity analysis