Can a cheap iron syrup before surgery save kids from anemia risks?

NCT ID NCT05681871

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Cape Town Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anemia iron deficiency anemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANAEMIA INTERVENTIONAL STUDIES IRON IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA PAEDIATRIC SURGERY PROSPECTIVE STUDIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital

Cape Town, Western Cape, 7700, South Africa
Tygerberg Hospital

Cape Town, Western Cape, 7505, South Africa

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