In early childhood, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is often caused by factors such as poor dietary intake, rapid growth, and gastrointestinal blood loss, leading to a range of symptoms from irritability to severe conditions like heart failure. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent long-term neurocognitive impairments and other complications. While oral iron supplementation is the first line of treatment due to its efficacy and low cost, gastrointestinal side effects can lead to poor adherence, making alternative treatment strategies necessary.

For children who do not respond to or cannot tolerate oral iron therapy, particularly those with gastrointestinal disorders or severe IDA requiring rapid treatment, parenteral (intravenous) iron therapy is an effective alternative. Studies have shown that newer intravenous iron formulations, such as ferric carboxymaltose, are safe and effective for pediatric use. These formulations offer the advantage of fewer side effects, better adherence, and more efficient iron replenishment. As evidence supporting the use of intravenous iron in pediatric IDA grows, there is a need for more research to optimize dosing regimens and better understand the long-term safety and efficacy of these treatments.

Reference: Roganovic J. Parenteral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia. World J Clin Cases. 2024 May 6;12(13):2138-2142. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i13.2138. PMID: 38808346; PMCID: PMC11129126.