The Efficacy of Intramuscular Iron Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the efficacy of intramuscular iron therapy in pediatric patients with severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in a healthcare setting in Pakistan.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental pilot study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatrics, Lahore General Hospital, Pakistan; June to December 2023.

Methods: 45 children (ages 6 months to 5 years) diagnosed with severe IDA (hemoglobin <7 g/dL, serum ferritin <12 μg/L) were administered intramuscular iron isomaltoside 1000 (maximum dose 200 mg). Hemoglobin levels and body weight were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Results: Following treatment, median hemoglobin increased from 6.5 g/dL to 10.9 g/dL, while median weight increased from 9.4 kg to 10.2 kg. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed significant improvements in both hemoglobin levels (Z=5.858, p<0.001) and weight (Z=5.848, p<0.001). The intervention was well-tolerated, with minor adverse events reported in 6.67% of participants.

Conclusion: This initial investigation provides promising evidence supporting the potential of intramuscular iron therapy as an efficient, safe, and tolerable treatment approach for children with severe IDA in resource-limited settings. These findings warrant further exploration through more extensive, randomized controlled studies.

Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia, children, Pakistan, intramuscular iron therapy