Aim: To define the adverse events following two different rates and methods of intravenous iron sucrose infusions in children with anaemia due to chronic renal impairment.
Methods: Two prospective observational studies were undertaken to characterize the adverse events following iron sucrose administration in children with renal impairment and on erythropoietin. Between January 1999 and April 2003, 5 mg/kg of intravenous (IV) iron sucrose was given over 90 min and repeated 24 h later. Between May 2003 and September 2004, in children with better venous access, a single dose of 2 mg/kg of IV iron sucrose was administered over 3 min during an outpatient clinic visit and haemodialysis sessions. Following infusions, children were monitored for immediate and delayed adverse events. All such events were documented and dealt with appropriately. Test doses were not used.
Results: A total of 870 infusions over 90 min were administered to 72 children. Three children developed abdominal pain. One child developed worsening of hypertension (not related to iron sucrose). Sixty-five doses were administered over 3 min to 20 children, and six minor adverse events were documented.
Conclusion: Although 90 min infusion is associated with fewer adverse events, no life-threatening events were documented in either method.