Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity worldwide. Conventional therapy with ferrous sulfate is often limited by gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and poor adherence. Ferric pyrophosphate (FPP), a newer iron formulation, promises imp...
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| Format: | Article |
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SpringerOpen
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-025-00412-4 |
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| author | Inderdeep Singh Kochar Dilpreet Kaur Money Sachdeva |
| author_facet | Inderdeep Singh Kochar Dilpreet Kaur Money Sachdeva |
| author_sort | Inderdeep Singh Kochar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity worldwide. Conventional therapy with ferrous sulfate is often limited by gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and poor adherence. Ferric pyrophosphate (FPP), a newer iron formulation, promises improved tolerance and equivalent efficacy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of FPP versus ferrous sulfate in the management of pediatric IDA. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care center, enrolling 120 children aged 6 months to 12 years with IDA. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either FPP (1 mg/kg/day) or ferrous sulfate (3 mg/kg/day) for 6 months. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, GI side effects, and compliance were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in Hb levels, with the mean Hb rise being 3.1 g/dL in the FPP group and 3.3 g/dL in the FS group (p = 0.34). GI side effects were significantly lower in the FPP group (12%) compared to the FS group (41%) (p < 0.01). Compliance was also better in the FPP group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Ferric pyrophosphate is as effective as ferrous sulfate in correcting anemia and improving iron stores in children, with a significantly better tolerability profile. It presents a promising alternative to conventional iron therapy in pediatric IDA. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9736941c9dfb471b977e3e457d15abd4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2090-9942 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette |
| spelling | doaj-art-9736941c9dfb471b977e3e457d15abd42025-08-20T03:42:48ZengSpringerOpenEgyptian Pediatric Association Gazette2090-99422025-08-017311410.1186/s43054-025-00412-4Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trialInderdeep Singh Kochar0Dilpreet Kaur1Money Sachdeva2Department of Paediatrics, Dr. S.S. Tantia Medical College and Research CentreDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr S.S. Tantia Medical College and Research CentreDepartment of Paediatrics, Dr. S.S. Tantia Medical College and Research CentreAbstract Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity worldwide. Conventional therapy with ferrous sulfate is often limited by gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and poor adherence. Ferric pyrophosphate (FPP), a newer iron formulation, promises improved tolerance and equivalent efficacy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of FPP versus ferrous sulfate in the management of pediatric IDA. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care center, enrolling 120 children aged 6 months to 12 years with IDA. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either FPP (1 mg/kg/day) or ferrous sulfate (3 mg/kg/day) for 6 months. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, GI side effects, and compliance were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in Hb levels, with the mean Hb rise being 3.1 g/dL in the FPP group and 3.3 g/dL in the FS group (p = 0.34). GI side effects were significantly lower in the FPP group (12%) compared to the FS group (41%) (p < 0.01). Compliance was also better in the FPP group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Ferric pyrophosphate is as effective as ferrous sulfate in correcting anemia and improving iron stores in children, with a significantly better tolerability profile. It presents a promising alternative to conventional iron therapy in pediatric IDA.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-025-00412-4Ferric pyrophosphateFerrous sulfatePediatric anemiaIron deficiencyGastrointestinal side effectsCompliance |
| spellingShingle | Inderdeep Singh Kochar Dilpreet Kaur Money Sachdeva Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial Egyptian Pediatric Association Gazette Ferric pyrophosphate Ferrous sulfate Pediatric anemia Iron deficiency Gastrointestinal side effects Compliance |
| title | Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial |
| title_full | Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial |
| title_fullStr | Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial |
| title_short | Comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia: a 6-month randomized controlled trial |
| title_sort | comparative efficacy and tolerability of ferric pyrophosphate vs ferrous sulfate in pediatric iron deficiency anemia a 6 month randomized controlled trial |
| topic | Ferric pyrophosphate Ferrous sulfate Pediatric anemia Iron deficiency Gastrointestinal side effects Compliance |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43054-025-00412-4 |
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