Paediatrica Indonesiana (Apr 2015)

Ferric sodium edetate therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia

  • Christie Moningkey,
  • Max F.J. Mantik,
  • Vivekenanda Pateda

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14238/pi55.2.2015.91-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 55, no. 2
pp. 91 – 4

Abstract

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Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is frequently found in school-aged children. The main treatments for IDA are overcoming the causal factors and iron supplementation. Noncompliance in taking iron tablets and the possibility of iron absorbtion or transport difficulties, can reduce efficacy of daily oral iron supplementation. Because excess iron storage in the intestinal cells can lead to mucosal blockage, twice weekly oral iron therapy may be considered instead of daily dosage. Objective To compare the effects of daily vs. twice weekly ferric sodium edetate (NaFeEDTA) on hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels on children with IDA. MethodsWe conducted an open-label, randomized, prospective study in 36 children with IDA aged 5-11 years. Subjects were divided into two groups. For a one-month period, group I received daily iron therapy (NaFeEDTA) and group II received twice weekly iron therapy. Examinations of Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC were performed before and after iron therapy. Results There were no significant differences in Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH or MCHC levels after therapy between the daily and twice weekly NaFeEDTA groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Twice weekly NaFeEDTA therapy is as effective as daily NaFeEDTA administration in children with IDA.

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