Can a cheap iron syrup before surgery save kids from anemia risks?
NCT ID NCT05681871
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether giving children with iron-deficiency anemia oral iron for 6 to 12 weeks before elective surgery can raise their hemoglobin levels. Researchers enrolled 755 children in South Africa to test this simple, low-cost approach. The goal is to see if treating anemia before surgery improves outcomes and is practical in real-world clinics.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
oral iron (ferrous gluconate syrup or ferrous fumarate/folic acid tablets)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could show that a simple, low-cost oral iron treatment before surgery helps children recover better and reduces complications from anemia.
What could go wrong
This is a pilot study, so results are preliminary and may not apply to all children. Oral iron can cause stomach upset or constipation, and some children may not absorb it well.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
Cape Town, Western Cape, 7700, South Africa
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Tygerberg Hospital
Cape Town, Western Cape, 7505, South Africa