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Iron Pill-Induced Gastritis in a Pediatric Patient Taking Ferrous Sulfate Tablets
Charles B Chen1, Shreeya Chugh2, Deepthi Rao3
1Division of Gastroenterology (CBC), Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO.
Insights
Iron supplementation can cause gastritis in children. Switching from oral ferrous sulfate tablets to liquid form resolved iron pill-induced gastritis in an 11-year-old boy, as confirmed by repeat endoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is common in children.
- Oral iron supplementation, particularly ferrous sulfate, is a standard treatment.
- Adverse gastrointestinal effects can occur with oral iron therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of iron pill-induced gastritis in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight the diagnostic findings and management of this condition.
- To emphasize the importance of considering medication side effects in pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an 11-year-old male treated with oral ferrous sulfate tablets.
- Diagnostic endoscopy with histological examination to identify iron deposition.
- Clinical follow-up and repeat endoscopy after changing iron formulation.
Main Results:
- The patient developed iron pill-induced gastritis, evidenced by histological iron deposition.
- Switching iron supplementation from tablets to liquid form led to symptom resolution.
- Repeat endoscopy confirmed the resolution of gastritis after 4 months.
Conclusions:
- Oral ferrous sulfate tablets can cause gastritis in children.
- Iron pill-induced gastritis is reversible with appropriate management.
- Formulation change to liquid iron may prevent or resolve this adverse effect.
Abstract:
Iron supplementation is frequently used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in the pediatric population. We describe a case of an 11-year old male who developed adverse side effects following treatment with oral ferrous sulfate tablets for 2 months. The diagnosis was made following findings of iron deposition on histology obtained during endoscopy. The iron supplementation was changed from tablet to liquid form, and repeat endoscopy 4 months following initial diagnosis showed resolution of the histologic findings of iron pill-induced gastritis.
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