Intravenous Ferumoxytol in Pediatric Patients With Iron Deficiency Anemia.

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common in children. Limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of ferumoxytol in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of 10 mg/kg dose given over 15-60 minutes in correcting IDA and report any adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who received ferumoxytol infusions for the management of IDA by the Pediatric Blood Management Program between October 2010 and March 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 110 infusions were given to 54 patients. Compared with baseline preinfusion hemoglobin (Hb; 9.2 ± 1.9 g/dL), a significant rise was seen at 1 week and 4 weeks postinfusion (11.5 ± 1.5 and 11.8 ± 1.7 g/dL, respectively, P < 0.001). Also, a significant rise in serum ferritin at 1 week and 4 weeks postinfusion was seen (51 ± 71 vs 192 ± 148 and 89 ± 135 ng/mL, P < 0.001 and <0.035, respectively). Patients who concomitantly received erythropoietin had a significantly larger Hb rise from baseline than those who did not at 4 weeks (2.7 ± 2.2 vs 1.6 ± 1.1 g/dL, P < 0.017). ADRs included pruritus (n = 1), urticaria (n = 1), and multisymptom episodes (n = 3) that included shortness of breath, chest tightness, back pain, and epigastric cramping that responded to therapy with IV diphenhydramine and methylprednisolone.

CONCLUSION

Ferumoxytol was effective in treating IDA in our small study. Slow infusion rate and close monitoring allowed early detection of the infrequent ADRs.