Comparison of Iron Bisglycinate to Iron Polymaltose for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Different iron formulations are prescribed to correct iron deficiency anemia, however, there is a lack of head to head trials locally. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Iron Bisglycinate with Iron Polymaltose in treating iron deficiency anemia in children. Methodology: A parallel group randomized double blind study was carried out at Benazir Bhutto hospital from 1st July 2022 to 31st December 2022. A total of 132 children were enrolled. Participants were allocated 1:1 to either Group A or Group B. Group A was given iron bisglycinate and Group B received iron polymaltose. Patients were assessed at baseline and were followed up at 1 month and 3 months. At all these intervals hemoglobin levels, MCV, MCH, Serum ferritin and adverse effects were noted and outcomes were assessed. Results: The mean age of the patients in Group A versus B was 7±2.31 versus 6±2.33. The mean hemoglobin levels at baseline in Group A versus B was 9±0.48 versus 8.9±0.49 g/dl and at 3 months in Group A versus B was 10±0.43 versus 9.4±0.48 g/dl, respectively with p value of 0.000. The mean serum ferritin levels at baseline in Group A versus B was 9.1±1.31 versus 8.8±1.19 ng/ml and at 3 months was 29±5.65 ng/ml and in Group B was 23±1.87 ng/ml, respectively with p value of 0.000. Conclusion: In children with iron deficiency anemia, iron bisglycinate significantly increased hemoglobin, MCV, MCH and serum ferritin levels compared to iron polymaltose. Keywords: Anemia, Ferritin, Hemoglobin, Iron Bisglycinate, Iron Polymaltose, Iron Deficiency.