Comparison of ferrous sulfate, polymaltose complex and iron-zinc in iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different oral iron preparations in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

METHODS

Sixty children with IDA, aged between 6 months and 180 months, were randomly assigned into three treatment groups. Group I included children with IDA who received ferrous sulfate (Fe-S); Group II included children receiving iron polymaltose complexes (Fe-OH-PM), and Group III included children receiving a single preparation of combined iron and zinc (Fe-Zn). The effect of different iron preparations were evaluated and compared. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks. Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, as well as other hematological parameters were determined at admission and the first, fourth, and eighth weeks of the treatment.

RESULTS

The Hgb levels of patients in all three groups were statistically higher in the fourth (P=0.001) and eighth (P<0.001) weeks compared to baseline; although there was no difference between the groups at the end of the treatment period (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that, Fe-OH-PM and Fe-Zn preparations may also be preferred as a choice like Fe-S for treatment of children with IDA.