COMPARATIVE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRAVENOUS FERRIC CARBOXYMALTOSE (FERINJECT) AND IRON SUCROSE (VENOFER) IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 1 TO 12 YEARS OF AGE WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Abstract

Objectives

 Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent conditions in children and pregnant women worldwide, often leading to impaired physical, cognitive, and immune function. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and iron sucrose (IS) in children aged 1–12 years with laboratory-confirmed IDA.

Methodology
A prospective, comparative interventional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 100 children with confirmed IDA were enrolled and equally divided into two groups. Group A (n = 50) received intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, while Group B (n = 50) received intravenous iron sucrose, following standard pediatric dosing protocols. Baseline demographic and hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, and transferrin saturation, were recorded. Follow-up assessments were performed to evaluate treatment response and monitor adverse events. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in hemoglobin and iron indices; however, the increase was more pronounced in the ferric carboxymaltose group. The mean number of infusions was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). Adverse events were mild and self-limiting, with no serious or life-threatening reactions observed. The overall incidence of adverse effects was slightly higher in the iron sucrose group, though not statistically significant.

Conclusion
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose demonstrated superior efficacy in improving hemoglobin and iron stores with fewer infusions, while maintaining a safety profile comparable to iron sucrose. FCM may therefore be considered a more convenient and efficient option for pediatric IDA management.