Ongoing Clinical Trials for Anaemia of Pregnancy
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating treatments for anaemia of pregnancy, a common condition affecting expectant mothers. This trial is being conducted in Ireland and focuses on comparing different iron supplementation schedules to improve iron levels and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and weakness during pregnancy.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Daily vs. Alternate Day Iron Supplements for Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women
This trial is investigating whether taking iron supplements every other day is as effective as taking them daily for treating iron deficiency anaemia during pregnancy. The study uses Galfer 305mg Hard Capsules, an oral iron supplement, and aims to find a potentially more convenient treatment schedule for pregnant women.
Who can participate:
- Women aged 18 years or older
- Must have a singleton pregnancy (carrying one baby)
- Must be between 14 and 34 weeks pregnant
- Must have iron deficiency anaemia, defined as haemoglobin levels less than 10.5 g/dL but not less than 7 g/dL, and serum ferritin levels less than 30 µg/L
- Must be able to understand English well enough to read study materials and communicate with the research team
- Must be willing to provide written informed consent
Who cannot participate:
- Women who are not pregnant
- Women who do not have iron deficiency anaemia
- Men (this study is specifically for pregnant women)
- Women who are outside the specified age and pregnancy week ranges
How the trial works:
Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group takes the iron supplement capsule every day, while the second group takes it every other day. The treatment period lasts for four weeks, during which researchers monitor blood iron levels, particularly haemoglobin, to see how well each schedule works.
Throughout the study, participants are asked about their experience with the treatment, including any digestive side effects they may have. Researchers also check how well participants are following their assigned treatment schedule by counting pills and using questionnaires.
The study also monitors pregnancy and delivery outcomes, including mode of delivery, any necessary postnatal interventions, birth weight, and newborn health indicators such as Apgar scores and haemoglobin levels at term. This helps researchers understand whether the different iron supplementation schedules affect not only maternal health but also outcomes for the baby.
Main focus:
The primary goal is to determine whether alternate-day iron supplementation is as effective as daily supplementation in improving haemoglobin levels after four weeks of treatment. If successful, this could offer expectant mothers a more convenient option that might also have fewer side effects, as some women experience digestive discomfort with daily iron supplements.
Summary
Currently, there is one clinical trial available for women experiencing anaemia during pregnancy. This trial is taking place in Ireland and focuses on finding more convenient and effective ways to deliver iron supplementation. The study compares daily versus alternate-day dosing of oral iron supplements, which could potentially reduce side effects while maintaining effectiveness. Iron deficiency anaemia is a common concern during pregnancy, as the body requires more iron to support both the mother and developing baby. This research aims to provide evidence for treatment approaches that are both effective and easier for pregnant women to follow throughout their pregnancy journey.
