Low incidence of adverse events following 90‐minute and 3‐minute infusions of intravenous iron sucrose in children on erythropoietin

Abstract

Aim: To define the adverse events following two different rates and methods of intravenous iron sucrose infusions in children with anaemia due to chronic renal impairment. Methods: Two prospective observational studies were undertaken to characterize the adverse events following iron sucrose administration in children with renal impairment and on erythropoietin. Between January 1999 and April 2003, 5 mg/kg of intravenous (IV) iron sucrose was given over 90 min and repeated 24 h later. Between May 2003 and September 2004, in children with better venous access, a single dose of 2 mg/kg of IV iron sucrose was administered over 3 min during an outpatient clinic visit and haemodialysis sessions. Following infusions, children were monitored for immediate and delayed adverse events. All such events were documented and dealt with appropriately. Test doses were not used. Results: A total of 870 infusions over 90 min were administered to 72 children. Three children developed abdominal pain. One child developed worsening of hypertension (not related to iron sucrose). Sixty‐five doses were administered over 3 min to 20 children, and six minor adverse events were documented. Conclusion: Although 90 min infusion is associated with fewer adverse events, no life‐threatening events were documented in either method.

Correction of Iron Deficiency Anemia With Intravenous Iron Sucrose in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…We elected to use IS for its long track record of safety and efficacy in adults with IBD (8,16) as well as in children with renal failure (17). IS carries very low risk for hypersensitivity reactions (18) and was found to be safe even in patients with previous reaction to iron dextran (19).…”

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“…Poor dietary intake, malabsorption due to giardiasis, coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases are common causes of folic acid deficiency [10]. Less commonly, anticonvulsant drugs and antimetabolites may lead to folic acid deficiency [11]. Goat milk is a poor source of folic acid; children raised on goat's milk develop folic aciddeficiency [12].…”