Iron sucrose induced near fatal anaphylaxis in a postnatal mother

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy can lead to significant adverse effects on the mother and fetus. Patients with iron deficiency anemia are treated with parenteral iron therapy when oral iron therapy is ineffective or in case of non-compliance due to side effects. Parenteral iron preparations such as iron dextran and sodium ferric gluconate complex can cause side effects including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. However, parenteral iron sucrose has a favorable safety profile and anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare. We report a rare case of near-fatal anaphylaxis following intravenous iron sucrose therapy in a postnatal mother with iron deficiency anemia.

Keywords

• anaphylaxis
• iron sucrose
• postnatal mother