Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs in infants and young children mainly due to inadequate dietary iron. The present study compared efficacy of ferrous ascorbate (FA) and iron polymaltose complex (IPC) in Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. Materials & Methods: 58 children with iron deficiency anaemia of both genders were classified in groups such as group I (29) who were given 6 mg/kg ferrous ascorbate (FA) and group II (29) who were given 6 mg/kg iron polymaltose complex (IPC). Level of haemoglobin and MCV was measured on day 0, 7, 1 month and 3 months. Results: There were 15 boys and 14 girls in group I and 13 boys and 16 girls in group II. The mean haemoglobin level in group I on day 0 was 6.9 g%, on day 7 was 8.3 g%, at 1 month was 9.5 g% and at 3 months was 11.2 g%. It was 6.1 g%, 7.0 g%, 8.2 g% and 10.1 g% on day 0, 7, 1 month and 3 months respectively in group II. The mean MCV level in group I on day 0 was 59.3fl, on day 7 was 66.5 fl, at 1 month was 70.4 fl and at 3 months was 82.2 fl. It was 59fl, 62 fl, 65.2 fl and 80.1 fl on day 0, 7, 1 month and 3 months respectively in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The improvement in hematological parameters such as haemoglobin and MCV was better in FA supplemented patients as compared to IPC.