Comparative study between different forms of iron therapy in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in children

Background Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major dilemma in children. It is a popular dietary deficiency. Aim This study aimed to compare different iron therapy forms, including ferrous fumarate (FF), iron hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC), and lactoferrin (LF) based iron in the IDA treatment in infants and children. Patients and methods This randomized controlled clinical trial study involved 60 children aged from 6 months to 18 years, both sexes, with clinical criteria of IDA. Patients were allocated into three groups: group 1: patients who received iron in the form of FF with a dose of 6 mg/kg/day elemental iron; group 2: patients who received IPC with a dose of 6 mg/kg/day elemental iron; and group 3: patients who received LF-based iron. Results After 3 months of treatment, serum iron and ferritin were considerably greater in the IPC group and LF group than in the FF group with P value less than 0.001. Serum iron was substantially more in the LF group than in the IPC group, with a P value less than 0.001. Serum iron and ferritin were noticeably higher after 3 months than before treatment in the three groups P value less than 0.001. Pallor and irritability were significantly different after 3 months than before treatment in group 3. Conclusions LF is more effective than IPC and FF if used with iron therapy in children suffering from IDA.