Delayed iron does not alter cognition or behavior among children with severe malaria and iron deficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria and iron deficiency (ID) in childhood are both associated with cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. The current standard of care for children with malaria and ID is concurrent antimalarial and iron therapy. Delaying iron therapy until inflammation subsides could increase iron absorption but also impair cognition.

Methods

In this study, Ugandan children 18 months to 5 years old with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 79), severe malarial anemia (SMA, n = 77), or community children (CC, n = 83) were enrolled and tested for ID. Children with ID were randomized to immediate vs. 28-day delayed iron therapy. Cognitive and neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 months (primary endpoint) after enrollment.

Results

All children with CM or SMA

SUBMITTER: Ssemata AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7483848 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature