Postpartum anemia is a common obstetric problem throughout the world as it plays one of the leading roles in maternal morbidity and mortality. Clinically significant iron-deficiency anemia in puerpera is caused by a combination of factors, such as massive postpartum hemorrhage and pre-existing iron-deficiency associated with elevated iron requirements during pregnancy, which leads to dramatic decrease in iron reserves during the third trimester of gestation. This condition requires safe and effective therapy – therefore, the evaluation of treatment strategy should be based on the balance between efficacy and safety. Red blood cell transfusion is effective in terms of hemoglobin level elevation, while it fails to replenish biochemical iron deficiency. Blood transfusion can also be complicated by a spectrum of serious potential adverse effects.
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