Low-Dose Maintenance Intravenous Iron Therapy Can Prevent Anemia in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Anemia, a common complication of end-stage renal disease, is associated with elevated morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. A primary cause of anemia in end-stage renal disease is iron deficiency, particularly among patients requiring Hemodialysis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if IV iron maintenance treatment is helpful for avoiding anaemia in children withEnd-Stage Renal Disease( ESRD). Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial and was carried out at Pediatric Dialysis Unit from March 2021 till September 2022. Results: there was statistically significant difference between the studied groups as regard Hb , red cell indicies (MCH, MCHC), serum iron andtransferrin saturation( TSAT) at the end of the study. Conclusion: IV iron maintenance therapy along witherythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in children with ESRD who were undergoing regularHemodialysis (HD) was beneficial for maintaining hemoglobin levels and reducing the risk of anemia. This therapy should therefore be considered for this patient group. However, iron supplementation for patients with hyperferritinemia is a challenging issue because the high serum ferritin level may not confirm iron marker overload. Hence, the decision to start IV iron maintenance therapy in patients with hyperferritinemia should follow a holistic approach, taking into consideration the patient’s clinical condition and morbidity .