A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Dextran Oral Liquid in the Treatment of Nutritional Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children

Abstract

Background & Objective: Nutritional iron deficiency anemia (NIDA) is caused by decreased hemoglobin biosynthesis due to iron deficiency. It is the most common anemia in children, and a serious danger to health. This study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of iron dextran oral solution in children with NIDA. Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial on 70 children with NIDA from August 2020 to September 2021. The enrolled subjects were divided into group A and group B, with 35 children in each group. Group A received ferrous sulfate oral solution, while group B received iron dextran oral solution. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), clinical treatment outcomes, and adverse events were determined and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Group B had higher levels of hemoglobin, MCHC and MCV than group A (p < 0.05). Moreover, group B had significantly higher total treatment effectiveness and lower incidence of adverse reactions than group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of iron dextran oral solution is a promising strategy in the treatment of children with NIDA. It alleviates symptoms of NIDA and optimizes hemoglobin, MCHC and MCV, and it has a favorable safety profile. Therefore, iron dextran oral solution is suitable for clinical application for treatment of NIDA.