Abstract

URQUIDI B., C. Cinthya; MEJIA S., Héctor  and  VERA A., Claudia. Adherence to treatment of anemia with microencapsulated ferrous fumarate. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2007, vol.46, n.1, pp.3-11. ISSN 1024-0675.

Objective: to evaluate the adherence to treatment of anemia through the percentage of response with ferrous fumarate, in comparison to ferrous sulfate drops after two months of treatment. Study Design: randomized controlled clinical trial. Intervention: ferrous sulfate drops and microencapsulated ferrous fumarate sprinkles. Methods: 128 Children (age-6-24 months) were enrolled and randomized to ferrous sulfate drops group or ferrous fumarate group. Capillary blood samples taken at the baseline and final visits were obtained from a finger prick in order to asses hemoglobin values. Compliance was also measured. Results: successful treatment of anemia (hemoglobin > 13.6 g/dL) occurred in 54 % of the sprinkles group and in 22% of the drops group (p<0.05). The positive response to treatment was higher in the experimental group (91%) than the control group (71%) (p<0.05). The rate of compliance was 55 % in the control group and 76 % in the experimental group. The mean hemoglobin levels increases significantly in each group from baseline to the final visit. Conclusion: the use of microencapsulated ferrous fumarate increased the adherence to treatment and reduced the rates of anemia significantly in high risk pediatric population. The implementation of the new intervention by programs health would enhance over 33% the benefits.

Keywords : Anemia; iron deficiency; adherence; ferrous sulfate; ferrous fumarate.

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