Page 204 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing
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2. Parentral iron therapy:
• Indication:
o Malabsorption syndrome,
o Intolerance to oral iron,
o Need to rapid response.
• Preparations:
o Iron-dextran complex: IV or IM injection,
o Iron-sorbitol-citrate complex: IM injection only.
• Side effects:
o IM injection is irritant, painful, stains the skin and less absorbed so
IV injection whether by repeated small doses or infusion in saline
solution is preferable.
o IV therapy may be complicated by flushing, urticaria, arthralgia,
fever, lymphadenopathy, phlebitis and anaphylaxis.
3. Packed RBCs : is used if more rapid response is needed e.g. pre-
operative.
Prophylactic iron therapy is particularly indicated in high risk group as high
parity, multiple pregnancy, and low socioeconomic class. In absence of
actual anemia, prophylactic therapy is better deferred till the end of the first
trimester as nausea and vomiting are common in this period.
(II) Megaloblastic Anaemia
It is caused by deficiency of folic acid and / or vitamin B12.
(A) Folic Acid Deficiency Anemia: It is uncommon.
Daily Requirement:
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