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Policy statement on iron deficiency in pre‐school‐aged children
Author(s) -
Grant Cameron C,
Wall Clare R,
Brewster David,
Nicholson Ross,
Whitehall John,
Super Leanne,
Pitcher Lydia
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01128.x
Subject(s) - medicine , iron deficiency , pediatrics , breastfeeding , iron status , iron supplementation , iron deficiency anemia , iron therapy , anemia
Aim: We aimed to develop policy in relation to three areas: (i) the diagnosis of iron deficiency; (ii) maternal–infant issues and the prevention of iron deficiency; and (iii) the treatment of iron deficiency. Methods: Within each of these topic areas we completed a literature review and developed recommendations to help direct activities of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, update paediatricians and guide clinical practice. Results: Iron deficiency can be defined using cut‐off values for laboratory measures of iron status or, if an intercurrent infection is not present, by demonstrating a response to a therapeutic trial of iron. The appropriate measures of iron status vary depending upon the presence of intercurrent infection. Full‐term babies are born with iron stores sufficient to meet their needs to age 4–6 months but premature infants are not. After age 6 months infants are dependent upon dietary iron from complementary foods even with continued breastfeeding. Infants <33 weeks gestation or <1800 g birthweight should receive iron from 4 weeks of age. In most settings recommended treatment of iron deficiency is with oral ferrous sulphate as a single or twice daily dose of between 3 and 6 mg/kg/day. Conclusions: Iron deficiency is prevalent and an important determinant of child health. Precise and accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Iron supplementation is required for premature and low‐birthweight infants. Oral iron salts remain the recommended treatment of choice in most instances.