Introduction:

iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia due to nutritional deficiency. Its treatment consists of providing bioavailable iron rich food together with oral iron. In specific circumstances, intravenous iron may be used.

Objective:

of this study is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic approach used with a child with severe iron deficiency anemia secondary to poor adherence to oral iron, in which intravenous iron was used.

Clinical case:

21 month-old white patient. History of severe iron deficiency anemia, with hemodynamic repercussions that at 14 months of age required transfusion of deplasmatized blood. Without subsequent hemoglobin controls. No adherence to oral iron prophylaxis. High consumption of cow’s milk and low of iron-rich foods. Within the context of acute lower respiratory infection, a clinical anemia with marked decline and anorexia were observed, without hemodynamic repercussions. Severe hypochromic microcytic anemia was confirmed, with an elevated erythrocyte distribution width and altered iron metabolism. He received iron saccharate, intravenously for 6 days with good tolerance and evolution.

Discussion:

multiple risk factors for iron deficiency anemia were identified. The poor response to treatment with oral iron resulting from adverse effects and lack of proper administration, together with a history of severe iron deficiency anemia, which required transfusion of deplasmatized blood, led to the prescription of intravenous iron. This administration was scheduled and monitored, occurring without complications. It is necessary to strengthen prevention of this condition in all pediatric check-ups and address this health problem from an interdisciplinary perspective.

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