Recurrent upper respiratory infections ( RURTIs) are common in school aged children. An adequate iron status might reduce their prevalence. The aim of the study is to assess the percentage and type of RURTIs in Egyptian school children, assessing the percentage of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the effect of iron supplementation on the recurrence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections .
This is a prospective interventional study in which 1000 Children (6-15 years) are recruited from two schools in urban Cairo; three months enrollment was done in early autumn ; students defined to have RURTIs were screened by Hemocue; if anemic (Hb \< 11.5gm/dL),Complete blood picture and iron profile were done, they were enrolled into 2 groups: (A)children with IDA on oral iron fumerate therapy (6mg/kg/d) for 3 months, then maintained on oral iron (1mg/kg/d) for 12 months, and (B) Non anemic group; were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio into: group (B1)children Received maintenance iron therapy for 12 months and group (B2) received placebo. Recurrence and severity of URTIs using (CARIFS score) throughout the study are recorded
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
1,000
iron fumerate supplementation (6mg/kg/d) for arm 1 iron fumerate supplementation (1mg/kg/d) for arm 2
Pediatrics hospital Ain shams University
Cairo, Egypt
effect of iron supplementation on recurrent upper respiratory tract infections measured by Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale {CARIFS}
Assessment of the upper respiratory tract infection incidence and severity throughout the study period will be done by a questionnaire including: Number of upper respiratory tract infection episodes per month with or without absenteeism from school, Total number of days sick with an upper respiratory tract infection ,and Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale {CARIFS}
Time frame: 15 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.