Iron showdown: pills vs. IV for anemic toddlers
NCT ID NCT07657091
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This trial compares two ways to treat iron deficiency anemia in children aged 1 to 5 years: oral iron syrup taken daily for weeks, or a single intravenous (IV) iron infusion. The goal is to see which approach raises hemoglobin levels faster and with fewer side effects. The study includes 100 children with moderate anemia, excluding those with severe cases or other blood disorders.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- iron (ferrous sulfate or iron sucrose)
- What this could lead to
- If IV iron proves more effective, it could offer a faster, better-tolerated treatment option for young children with iron deficiency anemia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial (100 children), so results may not apply broadly. IV iron carries risks like allergic reactions, and oral iron often causes side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jan 2027
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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12 to 59 months
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria:• . Age 12-59 months. * Diagnosed with moderate iron deficiency anemia * Hemoglobin level 7-9.9 g/dL * Parents or guardians willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria:• * Mild anemia and Severe anemia (Hb \<7 g/dL)/ requiring blood transfusion * Known hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia) * Acute severe infection or inflammatory disease * Previous iron therapy within the last 4 weeks/ Blood transfusion * Known hypersensitivity to iron preparations * Those who are not willing to participate.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kharadar General Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan