Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia Who Respond Poorly to Oral Iron

Objective To assess the benefits and risks of intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Study design In a retrospective cohort study of patients seen at our center, we identified all FCM infusions in children with IDA over a 12-month period through a query of pharmacy records. Clinical data, including hematologic response and adverse effects, were extracted from the electronic medical record. Results A total of 116 IV FCM infusions were administered to 72 patients with IDA refractory to oral iron treatment (median age, 13.7 years; range, 9 months to 18 years). Median preinfusion and postinfusion hemoglobin values were 9.1 g/dL and 12.3 g/dL, respectively (at 4-12 weeks after the initial infusion; n = 53). Sixty-five patients (84%) experienced no adverse effects. Minor transient complications were encountered during or immediately after 7 infusions. Conclusion FCM administered as a short IV infusion without a test dose proved to be safe and highly effective in a small yet diverse population of infants, children, and adolescents with IDA refractory to oral iron therapy.