Mean Rise in Hemoglobin After Intravenous Iron Therapy in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant public health issue in Pakistan, affecting up to 63% of children, as revealed by the Pakistan National Nutritional Survey 2018. While oral iron remains the primary choice, challenges in compliance have led to the consideration of intravenous (IV) iron therapy, particularly iron sucrose. The study discusses the safety and efficacy of IV iron therapy in Pakistani children and aims to broaden our understanding of treating IDA in resource-constrained regions.

Aims & Objectives: To determine the average hemoglobin (Hb) increase in iron-deficient-anemic children aged 01 to 12 years after treatment with intravenous iron sucrose.

Place and Duration of Study: A quasi-experimental study was undertaken at Fauji Foundation Hospital in Rawalpindi, spanning from September 2021 to September 2022.

Material & Methods: The study focused on a cohort of pediatric patients aged between 1 and 12 years, all of whom were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and had previously encountered ineffective outcomes with oral iron therapy. In this investigation, the patients received treatment involving intravenous iron sucrose. Subsequently, their progress was diligently monitored after a period of 8 weeks. Improvement in hemoglobin level was assessed at the end of treatment to evaluate its efficacy.Data processing and statistical analysis were carried out using SPSS version 23,p-value of <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: Out of 150 study cases, 96 (64.0 %) were male, while 54 (36.0 %) were female. The mean age of our study cases was 05 ± 2.3 years of these 150 study cases, 74 (49.3 %) belonged to rural areas, and 76 (50.7 %) belonged to urban areas. Poor socioeconomic status was noted in 97 (64.7 %), and 53 (35.3%) were middle-income. A family history of iron deficiency anaemia was recorded in 16 (10.7%). Iron deficiency due to dietary iron insufficiency was reported in 67 (44.7%), Total Parentral Nutrition (TPN) dependencywas seen in 61 (40.7%) and 22 (14.7%) had chronic gastritis. The mean baseline (pretreatment) haemoglobin level was 7.71 ± 0.63 g/dl, while the mean post-treatment haemoglobin level was 10.68 ± 0.60 g / dl (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: After intravenous iron sucrose, we noted a significant rise in paediatric patients' hemoglobin levels, emphasizing its effectiveness and safety. Statistically, we found correlations with age, family history, and causes. Healthcare practitioners should consider injectable iron treatments for better results and reduced health issues in this group.