Irostrene (Ferric Sodium Edetate) Treatment of Anaemic Infants

Abstract

This study deals with haemoglobin (Hb) measurements of healthy 1-year-old children in one district in central Norway. The aim was to study the Hb levels, to treat any children having iron deficiency anaemia (Hb ⩽ 10.8 g/100 ml), and to evaluate the effect of sodium iron edetate after 4 weeks of treatment, with a follow-up after 1 year. A total of 141 children were examined, of whom 40 had Hb ⩽ 10.8 g/ 100 ml (28.4%). The study showed that the Hb levels in healthy 1-years-olds have a normal distribution. Thirty-four children with Hb ⩽ 10.8 g/100 ml were treated for 4 weeks with sodium iron edetate (six drop-outs). The study showed a significant increase in Hb levels immediately after the treatment period as well as 4 weeks later. Hb decreases significantly immediately after ceasing treatment and continues to do so during the control period of 1 year. The Hb levels probably increase to a maximum 2 weeks after the treatment period.