OBJECTIVE:

To compare hemoglobin concentrations in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia who received intermittent versus continuous treatment with 200 mg oral ferrous sulfate. In addition, to compare the incidence of side effects of intermittent versus continuous treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Randomized, non-blinded, clinical trial conducted at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, in patients aged 18 to 35 years attended between January and March 2023 with 30 or more weeks of pregnancy, diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (operationally defined only with a blood biometry lower than 11 g/dL, with hypochromia and microcytosis), without a history of chronic degenerative disease. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v21 program, distribution and characteristics of the sample with univariate analysis, followed by bivariate analysis with Student&apos;s t and mean difference. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two patients were studied: 16 with continuous and 16 with intermittent regimen. Both groups with increase of 1 g/dL between initial and final hemoglobin (p < 0.01), with a mean difference between groups increase with p = 0.4. With significant reduction in epigastralgia and nausea.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intermittent treatment with ferrous sulfate increases hemoglobin concentrations.