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Intravenous low molecular weight iron dextran in children with iron deficiency anemia unresponsive to oral iron

Ellen S Plummer1, Shelley E Crary, Timothy L McCavit

  • 1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Intravenous low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) effectively treats iron deficiency anemia in children unresponsive to oral iron. This outpatient infusion offers a safe and efficient alternative, with common side effects being mild and transient.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Anemia Treatment
  • Intravenous Iron Therapy

Background:

  • Oral iron is the standard treatment for pediatric iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but efficacy is often limited.
  • Intravenous low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID) presents an alternative for children with IDA refractory to oral iron.
  • Concerns regarding serious adverse effects have historically limited LMWID use in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LMWID in children with IDA.
  • To assess hematologic response and adverse events in pediatric patients receiving LMWID.
  • To determine if LMWID is a viable treatment option for children with IDA unresponsive to oral iron.

Main Methods:

  • A case series design was employed to study LMWID treatment in children with IDA.
  • LMWID was administered as a total dose infusion over 60 minutes in an outpatient setting.
  • Efficacy was measured by hemoglobin increments, and adverse effects were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-one pediatric patients received LMWID, with 24 evaluable for response.
  • Significant hemoglobin increments were observed across different etiologies of IDA.
  • Two-thirds of evaluable patients achieved a complete hematologic response, with mild, transient adverse effects in 29%.

Conclusions:

  • Total dose infusion of LMWID is well-tolerated and effective in children and adolescents with IDA.
  • LMWID provides an effective treatment option for pediatric patients refractory to oral iron therapy.
  • Transient reactions associated with LMWID infusion are common but not serious, supporting its use in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
intravenous ironiron deficiency anemialow molecular weight iron dextranpediatric

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