Comparison of response between food supplemented with powdered iron and iron in syrup form for iron deficiency anemia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the response between food supplemented with iron in powdered and iron in syrup forms for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children aged 1-5 years.


METHODS
Quasi-experimental study.


METHODS
This study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Multan, from January 2000 to December 2000.


METHODS
Consecutive 200 cases of iron deficiency anemia, aged 1-5 years, were included in the study. Diagnosis was based on history, physical examination, complete blood counts (CBC) and serum ferritin levels. The patients were randomized to receive either iron in syrup form (Group A) or equivalent doses of iron powder sprinkled over food (Group B). The patients were followed up with hemoglobin estimation (Hb) and reticulocyte response at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. CBC and serum ferritin were repeated at 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Over half (51%) of the patients were between 1-2 years of age. One hundred thirty-two were males and 68 females. Most of the patients belonged to poor socioeconomic class. The iron in powder form was better tolerated than iron syrup as this group witnessed fewer episodes of gastrointestinal disturbances. The rise in mean Hb level after 6 weeks of treatment in group A and B was 1.6 g/dl and 1.9 g/dl respectively. Hemoglobin rise in group B was more than group A but this was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). There was small but significant (p < 0.05) rise in serum ferritin in both the groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups for response to the two forms of iron administration.


CONCLUSIONS
The powdered form of iron is a cost-effective and better tolerated method of iron administration in children and can be considered as an alternate option for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children.
Ahmed
Parvez
P
Department of Hematology, Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi. parvez101@yahoo.com
Mahmood
Asad
A
Aziz
Shahid
S
Azim
Waqar
W
D000284:Administration, Oral; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011208:Powders
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011208:Powders; C020748:ferrous sulfate; D005293:Ferritins