Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose versus oral ferrous sulphate for the treatment of moderate to severe postpartum anaemia in Nigerian women (IVON-PP): protocol for an open-label randomised controlled type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial

Postpartum anaemia is often caused by iron deficiency with onset during the antepartum period and can be exacerbated by excessive blood loss at birth. Its prevalence is estimated as 50-80% in low-income and middle-income countries. It poses adverse consequences on the mother and negatively impacts her ability to care for her newborn. Prompt treatment of postpartum anaemia is thus important. Adherence to oral iron is reportedly low in Nigeria due to its side effects and forgetfulness by the mothers. Intravenous iron such as ferric carboxymaltose, given as a single dose, might help overcome adherence issues, but investigation in a high-quality randomised control trial in Nigeria is first required while evaluation of challenges around its implementation is also warranted.