Effect of Twice Weekly Versus Daily Iron Treatment in Turkish Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia

This study was designed to propose a more practical, effective, safer, inexpensive, and manageable alternative treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) for the developing countries. The study involves 94 children between the ages of 5 months and 6 years who had been seen in the authors' hospital and diagnosed as having iron deficiency anemia. Ninety-four children with IDA were randomly divided into two groups: 48 children comprised the first group, which was administered conventional treatment, and 46 children comprised the second group, which was administered intermittent treatment involving iron administration 2 days a week. Twenty-three children whose age and gender distribution were compatible with the other groups were included in the study as the control group. Both groups were reevaluated for their initial hematologic parameters at the end of the treatment. When the parameters of both groups were compared with the parameters of the control group after the treatment, there were no differences between hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, and ferritin levels of conventional and intermittent treatment groups. With respect to certain parameters, such as red cell distribution, serum iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, transferrin receptor, and transferrin receptor/log ferritin, however, intermittent treatment was superior to the conventional treatment method (p < .05). In IDA, when a conventional treatment method or an intermittent treatment method is used, there are no differences between the hematological parameters. In fact, the intermittent treatment method has been found to be superior in many parameters.     

Serum transferrin receptor in children: usefulness for determinating the nature of anemia in infection

OBJECTIVES: To know the variations of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and its indices depending on the status of body iron and the presence of infection in children, to evaluate their usefulness for recognizing the nature of anemia in infection, and to know the role of erythropoietic activity in these conditions. DESIGN AND METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-eight children between 1 and 10 years were included: 206 healthy children; 60 iron deficient anemic children (IDA); 102 with anemia and infectious disease, 58 of them meeting criteria for IDA. We measured hemoglobin, red cell indices, reticulocytes, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, serum erythropoietin, and sTfR. Statistic method: ANOVA test, multiple linear regression, and ROC curve. RESULTS: sTfR, sTfR/ferritin ratio, and sTfR-logferritin index values were found to increase significantly in IDA children. These values were significantly lower in infectious anemia than iron deficiency states. Serum erythropoietin only was elevated significantly in iron deficiency states. In children without infection, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, erythrocyte protoporphirin, erythropoietin logarithm, and total-iron-binding-capacity logarithm predicted 81% of sTfR variability. sTfR and its indices showed a very high sensitivity and specificity for recognizing iron deficiency states. In children with IDA and infection sensitivity for sTfR/ferritin ratio was low (area under the curve: 0.71; 95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.88). For discriminating the nature of anemia in infection the cut-off point obtained for sTfR, sTfR/ferritin ratio, and sTfR-F index were 3, 70, and 1.8, respectively, and their sensitivity and specificity were also very high. CONCLUSIONS: sTfR, sTfR/ferritin ratio, and sTfR-F index are useful parameters for recognizing iron deficiency and the nature of anemia in infection. In IDA+infection, sTfR/ferritin ratio should not be recommended in the diagnosis of iron deficiency. In iron deficiency, erythropoietic activity has a secondary role as predictor factor of sTfR levels.     

单个网织红细胞血红蛋白量在诊断儿童缺铁性贫血中的意义

目的研究网织红细胞血红蛋白量(CHr)在诊断儿童缺铁性贫血(IDA)中的意义。方法 100例1～6岁IDA患儿和50例正常儿童(对照组)作为研究对象。采用血细胞分析仪检测CHr、Hb、RBC、平均红细胞容积(MCV)等红细胞参数;采用放射免疫双抗体法检测血清铁蛋白(SF);采用ELISA方法测定转铁蛋白受体(sTfR)。结果 IDA组的Hb和CHr分别为100±6 g/L和18±5 pg,低于对照组(126±8 g/L,31±3 pg;P<0.01)。IDA组的SF(11±4μg/L)低于对照组(59±36μg/L;P<0.01);sTfR则高于对照组(4.8±2.1 mg/L vs1.4±0.6 mg/L;P<0.01)。对照组、IDA组的CHr与Hb呈正相关(r分别为0.540,0.734,P<0.01);IDA组的CHr与SF呈正相关(r=0.464,P<0.01);IDA组的CHr与sTfR呈负相关(r=-0.450,P<0.01)。当CHr的临界值为27.8 pg时,诊断小儿IDA的敏感度和特异度分别为88.0%和90.0%,ROC曲线下面积为0.948。结论 CHr可以作为诊断儿童IDA的指标。     

Measurement of reticulocyte hemoglobin content to diagnose iron deficiency in Saudi children

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are common conditions in children, especially in developing countries. It is often difficult for the pediatrician to know which indices should be used in the diagnosis of these conditions in children. Reticulocyte hemoglobin (Hb) content (CHr) has been shown to be an accurate indicator of anemia, however whether its use suits the situation in developing countries or not is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value and effectiveness of using CHr as a method to diagnose iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in Saudi children. The samples for the study were collected from 305 children suspected to have anemia. Complete blood count, transferrin saturation (Tfsat), ferritin, circulating transferrin receptor (TfR) and CHr were measured. Three groups were defined, iron deficiency (Tfsat <20%, Hb >11 g/dL; n=120), iron deficiency anemia (Tfsat <20%, Hb <11 g/dL; (n=73) and controls (Tfsat >20%; n=112). The anemic group had significantly lower macrocytic anemia (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and CHr. All of the variables in the anemia group were significantly lower than those of the control group except for the ferritin level. Compared to the control group, the iron deficiency group also showed significantly lower values except for transferrin receptor and the ferritin levels. CHr levels of <26 pg correlated well with anemic states. CHr together with a complete blood count may provide an alternative to the traditional hematologic or biochemical panel for the diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in young children and is cost-effective in developing countries. A CHr cut-off level of 26 pg is considered to be a reasonable indicator of anemic states.     

Efficacy of daily vs. weekly supplementation of iron in schoolchildren with low iron status

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is still a major nutritional and public health problem in developing countries. The prevalence among young children and pregnant women is particularly high. Daily oral supplementation with medicinal iron is considered an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of IDA but non-compliance is a major problem with this strategy. We undertook this study to compare the results of once-weekly vs. daily oral iron supplementation in schoolchildren. Sixty children ranging between 5 and 10 years with iron deficiency anemia were selected from a school in Karachi, Pakistan and were divided into two equal groups, i.e., daily and weekly supplementation groups. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin were determined before the start of the study. Ferrous sulfate (200 mg) was given daily to the daily supplementation group and once-weekly to the weekly supplementation group for 2 months. When post-supplementation values of the above-mentioned parameters were determined, a significant improvement was observed in all parameters in both groups. It is concluded that once-weekly iron supplementation is as effective as daily supplementation for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Moreover, weekly iron supplementation is cost effective and has no or fewer side-effects.     

Incidence of high erythrocyte count in infants and young children with iron deficiency anemia: re-evaluation of an old parameter

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of high erythrocyte count (red blood cell count >or=5.0 x 106/microL) in infants and young children with iron deficiency anemia and to document the differences in hematologic parameters at diagnosis and during iron therapy in IDA patients with and without a high erythrocyte count. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 140 infants and young children aged 6 to 48 months with nutritional IDA without a history of any bleeding disorder were the subjects of this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of anemia. Group A1 children had Hb values 8.0 g/dL or less (severe anemia); group A2, 8.1 to 10.0 g/dL (moderate anemia); and group A3, 10.1-11.0 g/dL (mild anemia). All children received oral iron (3-5 mg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. Complete blood counts were done weekly during treatment. RESULTS: A total of 36 of the 140 patients (26%) had a high erythrocyte count. Of the 140 patients, 37 were in group A1, 80 in A2, and 23 in A3. The frequency of high erythrocyte count was 11%, 23%, and 61% in groups A1, A2, and A3, respectively. The patients with a high erythrocyte count had significantly higher Hb and Hct but significantly lower mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values than those with a low erythrocyte count (n = 104). A continuous elevation in the erythrocyte count has been observed in patients with a high red cell count, as in those with a low red cell count, after the institution of iron therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A high erythrocyte count is a common feature of iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children, with an increasing frequency from severe to moderate to mild anemia. High erythrocyte count cannot be regarded as a reliable preliminary parameter in differentiating iron deficiency from thalassemias in infants and children aged up to 48 months.     

Serum transferrin receptor levels in the evaluation of iron deficiency in the neonate

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major global problem. Early onset of iron deficiency in developing countries makes it imperative to identify iron deficiency in neonates. Most conventional laboratory parameters of iron status fail to distinguish neonates with iron deficient erythropoiesis. Serum transferrin receptor (STFR) levels are a recent sensitive measure of iron deficiency and the present study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of cord serum transferrin receptors in identifying iron deficient erythropoiesis in neonates. A complete hemogram, red cell indices, iron profile: serum iron (SI), percent transferrin saturation (TS%) and serum ferritin (SF) was carried out in 100 full-term neonates and their mothers at parturition. Cord and maternal STFR levels were estimated using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Anemic women had a significantly lower SI, their TS% and high STFR levels suggesting that iron deficiency was responsible for the anemia. In the neonates of iron deficient mothers, cord SI, TS% and cord ferritin were not significantly different from those of neonates born to non-anemic mothers. Cord STFR level correlated well with hemoglobin (Hb) and laboratory parameters of iron status, and its level was significantly higher in neonates born to anemic mothers than in those bom to non-anemic mothers. It was the only laboratory parameter to differentiate between neonates bom to anemic and non-anemic mothers. Therefore, STFR is a sensitive index of iron status in neonates and identifies neonates with iron deficient erythropoiesis.     

Red blood cell indices and iron status according to feeding practices in infants and young children

With the electronic counters routinely used, it has become practical to determine the concentration of hemoglobin, red cell indices, and RDW concurrently in association with transferrin saturation and ferritin in accordance with feeding practices. The 1028 infants and children aged 6 to 24 months, who had been mainly admitted with acute infectious or inflammatory diseases, were divided into three groups, i.e., children who were exclusively breast-fed more than 6 months (group A), those who had been given iron-fortified formula milk since birth (group B), and those who had been given breast milk for 5–6 months and then switched to the iron-fortified formula (group C). Children with anemia comprised 34.8% (104/299) of group A, significantly more than 5.6% (34/608) of group B and 6.6% (8,/121) of group C ( p < 0.001, respectively). Children with MCV < 70 fl comprised 39.5% (118/299) of group A, significantly more than 7.1% (43/608) of group B and 13.2% (16/121) of group C. Out of the total 146 patients with anemia, 82.2% ( n = 120) had laboratory evidence of iron deficiency, which was mostly suggested by a dietery history. The sensitivity of MCV values < 70 fl in IDA patients was 90.0%; specificity was 53.8%. The sensitivity of RDW values ≥ 15% was 83.3%; specificity was 57.7%. The positive predictive value could be increased to 97.8% by combining MCV < 70 fl and RDW ≥ 15%. The sensitivity of serum ferritin concentrations < 10ng/ml was 62.4% and specificity was 100%. The sensitivity of transferrin saturation < 12% was 72.3% and specificity was 81.3%. By combining the hemoglobin with MCV and RDW in screening for iron deficiency, the diagnostic accuracy of IDA can be increased. We support the use of appropriately iron-fortified weaning foods or the routine iron supplement starting at 6 months of age in exclusively breast-fed infants.     

Is there a relationship between childhood Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia?

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia has been reported in children, and it has been proposed that H. pylori infection needs to be eradicated to treat absolutely iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We investigated whether there was any correlation between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency (ID) and IDA in children, and whether the eradication of H. pylori infection without iron treatment would lead to the resolution of ID. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels, H. pylori stool antigen test and (14)C urea breath test were measured in 140 children aged 6--16 years (median 9.5 years). Children with H. pylori infection were divided into three groups on the basis of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin levels: groups of IDA, ID, and control. All the children received anti-H. pylori combination therapy consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole. Hemoglobin and MCV values rose significantly compared with baseline values after H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with IDA (p=0.002 and p=0.003, respectively). Ferritin values increased significantly after H. pylori eradication in children with ID (p<0.001). We conclude that complete recovery of ID and IDA can be achieved with H. pylori eradication without iron supplementation in children with H. pylori infection.     

Ferritin and iron levels in children with autistic disorder

Iron has an important role on cognitive, behavioral, and motor development. High prevalence of iron deficiency has been reported in autism. The aim of this study was to investigate iron status in a group of children with autistic disorder. The sample was composed of 116 children between 3 and 16 years with a diagnosis of autistic disorder according to DSM-IV criteria. Serum ferritin, iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and red cell distribution width values were measured. We found that 24.1% of subjects had iron deficiency, and 15.5% had anemia. There was a significant positive correlation between age and ferritin and hematological measures. Results of this study confirmed that iron deficiency and anemia are common in children with autistic disorder. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ferritin levels should be measured in subjects with autism as a part of routine investigation.     

The role of erythrocyte protoporphyrin in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia of children

The values of erythrocyte protoporphyrin, ferritin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measurements in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia were investigated in 72 iron deficient and in 25 healthy control infants. Receiver operator curve, sensitivity and specificity of erythrocyte protoporphyrin, ferritin and mean corpuscular volume were compared between the study and control groups. In the study group mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations were significantly lower, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin was significantly higher when compared to the control group. In the iron deficient study group, erythrocyte protoporphyrin was the most sensitive test and ferritin was the most specific test, whereas ferritin was the most diagnostic test and mean corpuscular volume was the least diagnostic test. A significant correlation between erythrocyte protoporphyrin and hemoglobin values was determined. We conclude that erythrocyte protoporphyrin is a more sensitive but less specific test than ferritin, and it can be used as a first-line diagnostic test in the evaluation of iron deficiency and in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia in infants.     

Iron deficiency in an Eskimo village. The value of serum ferritin in assessing iron nutrition before and after a three-month period of iron supplementation.

The serum ferritin concentration, a new means of assessing iron nutrition, was utilized in conjunction with the hematocrit value, serum iron concentration, and total iron binding capacity to determine the effect of a three-month period of iron supplementation in a group of 146 Eskimo children in Chevak, Alaska. Before treatment, 41% of the children had concentrations of serum ferritin below normal, 18% had a subnormal serum transferrin saturation, and 26% were anemic. After supplementation, only 6% had a subnormal serum ferritin concentration. Despite this evidence of improved iron stores in the group as a whole, the prevalence of low serum transferrin saturation and of anemia remained high, 15% and 17%, respectively. These results could be explained by a high incidence of infection, which, like iron deficiency, is associated with anemia and a low serum transferrin saturation. We conclude that the serum ferritin determination reflected an improvement in iron nutrition that was not as readily apparent by other measurements, and that factors other than iron deficiency also played an important role in the mild anemia that was prevalent in Chevak.     

Leukocyte DNA damage in children with iron deficiency anemia: effect of iron supplementation

Iron deficiency is frequently associated with anemia. Iron is a transition-metal ion, and it can induce free radical formation, which leads to formation of various lesions in DNA, proteins, and lipids. The aim of this study was to investigate baseline oxidative DNA damage and to clarify the role of the administration of a therapeutic dose of iron on DNA oxidation in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Twenty-seven children with IDA and 20 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Leukocyte DNA damage (strand breaks and Fpg-sensitive sites) was assessed using comet assay before and after 12 weeks of daily iron administration. Before the iron administration, the frequency of DNA strand breaks in the children with IDA was found to be lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was not a significant difference for frequency of Fpg-sensitive sites. After 12 weeks of iron administration, the frequency of both DNA strand breaks and Fpg-sensitive sites were found to be increased (P < 0.01). No significant association was determined between DNA damage parameters and hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and ferritin. In conclusion, basal level of DNA strand breaks is at a low level in children with IDA. After iron administration, DNA strand breaks and Fpg-sensitive sites, which represent oxidatively damaged DNA, increased. However, this increase was unrelated to serum level of iron and ferritin.     

106例6个月～6岁儿童缺铁性贫血临床表现及实验室检查分析

目的 探讨6个月～6岁儿童缺铁性贫血（IDA）的发病因素、临床特点、实验室检查并探讨其预防措施.方法 对106例6个月～6岁IDA患儿进行病因调查、查体及血常规、铁蛋白、叶酸、维生素B12等相关检查结果进行分析.结果 轻度贫血51例,中度贫血40例,重度贫血10例,极重度贫血5例.儿童缺铁性贫血与孕产因素、喂养因素等均有较大关系,且农村IDA发病率高于城市.结论 缺铁性贫血目前仍然是儿童期重要的营养缺乏病,应予高度重视,及时发现,尽早干预.     

SERUM FERRITIN IN ASSESSMENT OF IRON NUTRITION IN HEALTHY INFANTS

ABSTRACT. We followed up 238 infants on 7 occasions during their first year of life. The diets of the infants were systematically either supplemented or not supplemented with iron. Developmental changes in serum ferritin were determined from a group with adequate intake of iron and without evidence of iron deficiency by three laboratory criteria: hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and transferrin saturation. The data indicate that the average level of serum ferritin correlates well with iron nutrition within groups of infants since the developmental changes are in accordance with the known changes in storage iron, the level of serum ferritin correlates with iron intake, and low ferritin levels are associated with lower transferrin saturation. The usefulness of serum ferritin as the sole criterion of iron deficiency in individual infants is limited, suggesting the use of more than one indicator to refine the diagnosis of iron deficiency without anemia.     

Iron polymaltose versus ferrous gluconate in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia of infancy

We prospectively compared the efficacy and safety of iron deficiency anemia prophylaxis with iron gluconate (IG) or iron polymaltose complex (IPC) in healthy infants attending a community pediatric center. Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the test drugs from age 4 to 6 months to age 12 months. Parents/guardians were given extensive information on iron-rich diets and anemia prevention. Main outcome measures were blood levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width, and serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin, in addition to adverse effects. One hundred five children completed the study: 53 in the IG group and 52 in the IPC group Mean hemoglobin levels at study end were significantly higher in the IG group (12.04±0.09 g/dL vs. 11.68±0.11, P<0.014). A hemoglobin level <11 g/dL was detected in 3 infants of the IG group, and in 10 infants of the IPC group (P<0.04). Adverse effects (spitting, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, discolored teeth) were significantly more common in the IG group (47% vs. 25%, P>0.025). In conclusion, both oral IG and IPC prevent iron deficiency anemia in infants. Iron gluconate seems to be more effective but less tolerable.     

Undernutrition in Nepalese children: a biochemical and haematological study

Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of 6–10 years old Nepalese children by measuring some haematological and biochemical parameters. Methods: Nutritional status was assessed by height‐for‐age z‐score. Total count of red blood corpuscles (TC of RBC), packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were measured. Biochemical parameters such as serum iron, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, serum transferrin, transferrin saturation (TS) and serum albumin were also measured. Serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ were measured in well‐nourished and undernourished children. Results: TC of RBC, serum iron, serum ferritin, TS and serum albumin of stunted children were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of well‐nourished children. MCV, MCH, TIBC and serum transferrin of stunted children were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of well‐nourished children. Serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ values of stunted children were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of well‐nourished children. Conclusion: A mild iron deficiency was found in stunted Nepalese children. The serum ferritin has been identified as a sensitive marker for measurement of iron status in surveyed children. A deficiency of serum protein, serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ was also found in the undernourished Nepalese children.     

Red cell distribution width (RDW) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency with microcytic hypochromic anemia

Objective  To study the utility of red cell distribution width (RDW) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency among children with microcytic hypochromic anemia. Methods  151 children (6 months-12 years) with microcytic (MCV<75 fl) anemia were classified into iron deficient (IDA) and non-iron deficient anemia (non-IDA) on the basis of serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). RDW values were obtained on an automated hematology analyzer. Receiver operator curves (ROC) were constructed and the utility of RDW in diagnosis of iron deficiency was studied. Results  The mean RDW value was 18.37±2.22% in IDA group (97 children) compared to 16.55±1.51 % in the non-IDA group (54 children) (p<0.0001, unpaired t test). In IDA group, the mean RDW value was 16.60±1.78%, 17.95±1.91% and 20.55±1.32% among mild, moderate and severely anemic children (p<0.0001, ANOVA test). The corresponding values in non-IDA group were 16.03±1.25%, 16.76±1.20% and 16.77±2.68% respectively (p=0.269, ANOVA test). At a cut-off value of 17.4%, as obtained from the ROC curve, the sensitivity and specificity of RDW in diagnosis of IDA were 81.0% and 53.4% and a positive and negative predictive value of 63.0% and 72.2% respectively. Conclusion  RDW has a limited specificity for diagnosis of IDA among children with microcytic hypochromic anemia.     

Microcytic anemia in children: parallel screening for iron deficiency and thalassemia provides a useful opportunity for thalassemia prevention in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Microcytic anemia in children is commonly attributed to iron deficiency without attempting to find the cause. Inadequate investigations to exclude hemoglobinopathies lead to missed opportunities for identification of thalassemia carriers. Here we aim to describe the relative contribution of iron deficiency and thalassemia to microcytic anemia in children. This hospital-based prospective study was conducted at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. All newly diagnosed patients with microcytic anemia were recruited and data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Full blood count, blood film, serum ferritin, c-reactive protein, quantification of hemoglobin sub-types and α-globin genotype were performed using 4?ml of venous blood. A total of 104 children (Male- 60.5%) were recruited. Iron deficiency was the cause for anemia in 49% whilst 16% and 10% had α- and β-thalassemia trait respectively. Seven (6.7%) children had co-existing iron deficiency and thalassemia trait while two coinherited α- and β-thalassemia trait. Children with β-thalassemia trait had significantly higher red cell count and lower mean corpuscular volume compared to children with iron deficiency. However, none of the red cell parameters were significantly different between children with α-thalassemia trait and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency contributes only to half of children with microcytic anemia; one-fourth had thalassemia trait. Co-existence of iron deficiency and thalassemia trait or co-inheritance of α- and β-thalassemia trait were found in 9%. Parallel investigation of children with microcytic anemia to diagnose iron deficiency and thalassemia provides an opportunity to identify thalassemia carriers which is beneficial for thalassemia prevention.     

The effects of iron deficiency on infants' developmental test performance

Aim : To assess the effects of iron deficiency on developmental test scores in infants. Methods : This prospective, single-blind, controlled clinical intervention study was made on 108 children aged 6–30 mo who applied to our paediatric outpatient clinic. The cases were classified as control ( n = 31, haemoglobin ± 11 g/dl, serum ferritin >12 μg/l, MCV ± 70 fl), non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID, n = 40, haemoglobin ± 11 g/dl, serum ferritin ± 12 μg/l, MCV ± 70 fl) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA, n = 37, haemoglobin < 11 g/dl, ferritin ± 12 μg/l, MCV >70 fl) due to their anaemia status. In each group, MCV, haemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured, and Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-I) were administered before and after a 3-mo follow-up. IDA and about half of the NAID subjects were treated with oral iron for 3 mo. Results : Subjects with iron deficiency showed significantly lower developmental test scores both with BSID-I and DDST-II compared to their iron-sufficient peers ( p < 0.05). After 3 mo of iron treatment, lower mental developmental test scores were no longer observed among the IDA and NAID groups whose anaemia and iron deficiency were also corrected. No significant differences were found between control NAID and control IDA groups on DGTT-II results after treatment. The difference in motor and mental developmental scores did not appear to depend on environmental and family factors considered in the analyses.
Conclusion : These findings support the conclusions that iron deficiency may cause lower mental and motor test scores in infants and these adverse effects can be improved by iron therapy.