COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF ORAL VS IV IRON THERAPY IN CHILDREN AGED 12-59 MONTHS, WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Comparison of Efficacy of Oral versus Intravenous Iron Therapy in Children Aged 12-59 Months with Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the most common nutritional disorders among children worldwide and is a major public health concern in developing countries, including Pakistan. Children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable due to rapid growth and increased iron requirements. IDA can adversely affect cognitive development, motor performance, behavior, immunity, and overall growth.
Oral iron supplementation is currently the standard treatment for pediatric IDA because of its affordability and ease of administration. However, its effectiveness is often limited by gastrointestinal side effects, poor palatability, prolonged treatment duration, and poor adherence. Intravenous iron therapy offers an alternative approach that may provide faster correction of anemia and replenishment of iron stores while avoiding some of the limitations associated with oral therapy.
Although intravenous iron preparations have demonstrated promising results in several settings, comparative data among young children remain limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of oral iron therapy and intravenous iron sucrose therapy in children aged 12-59 months with moderate iron deficiency anemia. The findings of this study may help identify the most effective and practical treatment strategy for this high-risk population.
Study Overview
Status
Conditions
Intervention / Treatment
Detailed Description
Iron deficiency anemia is a leading cause of morbidity among children under five years of age and continues to contribute substantially to poor child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Early childhood is a critical period for growth and neurodevelopment, and iron deficiency during this stage may result in long-term adverse effects on cognitive function, psychomotor development, behavior, and immunity.
Oral iron supplementation remains the standard treatment for iron deficiency anemia; however, treatment success is frequently affected by poor adherence resulting from gastrointestinal side effects, unpleasant taste, prolonged treatment duration, and inconsistent caregiver administration. These limitations may delay hematologic recovery and restoration of iron stores.
Intravenous iron sucrose has emerged as a potential alternative for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It allows direct replenishment of iron stores, may achieve a more rapid increase in hemoglobin levels, and eliminates issues related to gastrointestinal absorption and daily medication adherence. Despite these potential advantages, evidence comparing intravenous and oral iron therapy in young children is limited, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of oral iron therapy and intravenous iron sucrose therapy in children aged 12-59 months diagnosed with moderate iron deficiency anemia. The study findings are expected to provide locally relevant evidence to support clinical decision-making and optimize treatment strategies for pediatric iron deficiency anemia.
Study Type
Enrollment (Estimated)
Phase
- Phase 2
Contacts and Locations
Study Locations
-
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Sindh
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Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- Kharadar General Hospital
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-
Participation Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
- Child
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Description
Inclusion Criteria:•
. Age 12-59 months.
- Diagnosed with moderate iron deficiency anemia
- Hemoglobin level 7-9.9 g/dL
- Parents or guardians willing to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:•
- Mild anemia and Severe anemia (Hb <7 g/dL)/ requiring blood transfusion
- Known hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia)
- Acute severe infection or inflammatory disease
- Previous iron therapy within the last 4 weeks/ Blood transfusion
- Known hypersensitivity to iron preparations
- Those who are not willing to participate.
Study Plan
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
- Allocation: Randomized
- Interventional Model: Factorial Assignment
- Masking: Single
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
|---|---|
|
Active Comparator: Oral iron group
Participants assigned to this group will receive oral iron therapy according to the standard pediatric treatment protocol for moderate iron deficiency anemia.
Hemoglobin levels and clinical response will be monitored during the study period to assess the effectiveness and safety of oral iron supplementation.
|
Administration of oral ferrous sulfate at a dose of 3-6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron for treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Administration of intravenous iron sucrose according to the calculated iron deficit under medical supervision.
(Ganzoni formula)
|
|
Active Comparator: IV IRON GROUP
Participants assigned to this group will receive intravenous (IV) iron therapy according to the standard pediatric treatment protocol for moderate iron deficiency anemia.
Hemoglobin levels, iron status, and clinical response will be monitored throughout the study period to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IV iron administration.
|
Administration of oral ferrous sulfate at a dose of 3-6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron for treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Administration of intravenous iron sucrose according to the calculated iron deficit under medical supervision.
(Ganzoni formula)
|
What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Time Frame |
|---|---|
|
increase in hb from baseline
Time Frame: 6 months
|
6 months
|
Collaborators and Investigators
Sponsor
Publications and helpful links
General Publications
Helpful Links
Study record dates
Study Major Dates
Study Start (Estimated)
Primary Completion (Estimated)
Study Completion (Estimated)
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
First Posted (Actual)
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Actual)
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
Last Verified
More Information
Terms related to this study
Additional Relevant MeSH Terms
Other Study ID Numbers
- KGH-ERB:2026/02
Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)
Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?
Drug and device information, study documents
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product
product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.
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