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Iron supplementation reduces the frequency and severity of breath-holding attacks in non-anaemic children

Anthony Zehetner1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Teaching and Research Unit, The University of Newcastle Gosford Hospital, Gosford, Australia.

Clinics and Practice
|April 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Oral iron supplementation can effectively treat breath-holding attacks (BHAs) in children, even those without iron deficiency. This safe and cost-effective intervention improves quality of life for affected families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Clinical Case Studies

Background:

  • Breath-holding attacks (BHAs) are common in children, often linked to iron deficiency.
  • The efficacy of iron supplementation for BHAs in non-iron-deficient Westernized children is not well-established.
  • Current clinical guidelines lack clarity on iron supplementation for BHAs in this specific demographic.

Observation:

  • This study presents a case series of iron-replete children experiencing frequent and disabling BHAs.
  • These children received oral iron supplementation as an intervention.
  • Clinical observations focused on the frequency, severity, and impact of BHAs before and after supplementation.

Findings:

  • All reported cases showed a positive response to oral iron supplementation.
  • A significant reduction in the frequency and severity of BHAs was observed.
  • No adverse effects or complications were reported during the supplementation period.

Implications:

  • Oral iron supplementation may be a safe and effective treatment for BHAs in children, irrespective of iron status.
  • This intervention offers a cost-effective solution, potentially reducing healthcare resource utilization.
  • Improved quality of life for both children with BHAs and their caregivers is a significant outcome.

Keywords:
behaviourbreath-holdingchildrencost-effectiveness.cyanosisiron

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