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Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: A Comparative Study of Ferrous Ascorbate and Colloidal Iron

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Abstract

Objective

To compare the efficacy of ferrous ascorbate and colloidal iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children.

Methods

Eighty one children, aged 6 mo to 12 y, were screened for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and those diagnosed with IDA were randomized to receive ferrous ascorbate or colloidal iron for a period of 12 wk, such that each child received elemental iron 3 mg/kg body weight/d. Increase in hemoglobin (Hb) level was the primary outcome measure. Assessment was performed at baseline, wk 4, wk 8 and wk 12.

Results

Of 81 children screened, 73 were included in the study. The mean rise in Hb at the end of the 12 wk was significantly higher in ferrous ascorbate group than the colloidal iron group [3.59 ± 1.67 g/dl vs. 2.43 ± 1.73 g/dl; P < 0.01]. Significantly higher proportion of children receiving ferrous ascorbate (64.86 % vs. 31.03 %; P < 0.01) became non-anemic in comparison to colloidal iron.

Conclusions

Ferrous ascorbate provides a significantly higher rise in hemoglobin levels in comparison to colloidal iron. The study supports the use of ferrous ascorbate in the pediatric age group, providing evidence for its role as an efficient oral iron supplement in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Prashant S Moralwar, the Co-investigator, for assisting in the conduct of this study.

Contributions

VNY was involved in the review of the study protocol, conducting the study in accordance with the standards of GCP, data analysis and revision of the manuscript drafts. BD was involved in the conceptualization of the study, designing of the protocol, initiation, supervision, auditing and monitoring of the site, interpretation of the data and statistical outcomes and revision of the manuscript drafts.

Conflict of Interest

VNY has no financial relationships with Zuventus Healthcare Ltd that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous 3 y and no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.BD is employee of Zuventus Healthcare Ltd.

Role of Funding Source

The financial support for this study was provided by Zuventus Healthcare Ltd including the drugs used in the study: Feronia-XT (Zuventus Healthcare Ltd.) and Tonoferon (East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Yewale’s Hospital & Vashi Criticare (Tertiary Care Hospital), Navi Mumbai, India

    Vijay N. Yewale

  2. Department of Medical Services, Zuventus Healthcare Ltd, 5119 ‘D’ Wing, Oberoi Garden Estate, Chandivali, Mumbai, 400 072, India

    Bhupesh Dewan

Authors
  1. Vijay N. Yewale
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  2. Bhupesh Dewan
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Correspondence to Bhupesh Dewan.

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Yewale, V.N., Dewan, B. Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: A Comparative Study of Ferrous Ascorbate and Colloidal Iron. Indian J Pediatr 80, 385–390 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0906-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0906-6

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