A comparative study between the dispersible Ferric pyrophosphate particles and Ferrous sulfate in treatment of pediatric patients with iron deficiency anemia

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia related to malnutrition worldwide. It represents a major problem in developing countries, especially in Egypt. Ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) is a water-insoluble iron compound often used to fortify infant cereals and chocolate drink powders. It causes no adverse color and flavor changes to food vehicles. This study was done to compare the efficacy of FPP (micro dispersed iron) and ferrous sulfate (FS) in treating childhood IDA. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 58 anemic children visiting the outpatient clinic, pediatric department of Menoufia University hospitals from March 2017 to June 2019. The inclusion criteria of the involved children were age 2 - 12 years and the diagnosis of IDA. Patients with other types of anemia were excluded from the study. Verbal permission was obtained from the parents of the children according to the ethical committee of Menoufia University. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group1 included 29 children who were treated with FPP and group2 included 29 children who were treated with oral traditional iron in the form of FS. Complete blood count and iron profile were recorded before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The results showed no statistically significant difference between the FPP group and the FS group regarding clinical examinations (P-value > 0.05). There was no significant difference regarding hemoglobin, serum iron, and serum ferritin between the FPP and the FS groups after treatment (P-value> 0.05). However, side effects were significantly higher in the FS group (P-value > 0.001). Conclusion: Micro dispersed iron could be used as an alternative therapy for children with IDA who refuse oral iron therapy in a liquid form with more tolerability and fewer side effects.