Ferrous sulfate oral solution in young children with iron deficiency anemia: An open-label trial of efficacy, safety, and acceptability.
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of a new ferrous sulfate oral solution (Tardyferon? 20?mg/mL) in young children with mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Methods: This was a multicenter, national, single-arm, open-label study. Children aged 6-53?months presenting with mild or moderate IDA (i.e.,?blood hemoglobin (Hb) ranging from?7.0?to?10.9?g/dL and serum ferritin <12?ng/mL) were eligible for inclusion. The ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution (2?mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 3?months. If normalization of either Hb or ferritin was not achieved at month?3 the treatment was continued for another 3?months.
Results: Of the 100 children screened, 21 aged 6-17?months were included and received the study treatment, and 19 were analyzed for hematologic outcomes at month?3. Only one patient continued treatment for the additional 3?months. At month?3, mean ± SD Hb and ferritin levels were 12.0 ± 0.7?g/dL and 31.5 ± 19.4?ng/mL, respectively. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were normalized in 95% (18/19) and 84% (16/19) of the patients, respectively. Treatment compliance and levels of satisfaction of both the parents and the investigators were high. Overall, 33.3% of patients (7/21) experienced at least one adverse event. Only one patient (4.8%) experienced a drug-related adverse event (upper abdominal pain).
Conclusions: A 2?mg/kg daily dose of the new oral ferrous sulfate heptahydrate solution provides substantial therapeutic benefit with high levels of tolerability in young children who have mild or moderate IDA.