Iron III Hydroxide Polymaltose

Iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC) is an iron preparation with non-ionic iron and polymaltose in a stable complex. The usefulness of IPC in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has recently been a topic of much debate. By reviewing the published literature an overview is provided of the existing comparative evidence vs. ferrous sulfate as reference. For this purpose the standard methods and criteria as described by the Cochrane group are employed. The aim was to establish whether there are differences concerning efficacy (primary end-point: hemoglobin after approx. 2 months of treatment) and concerning safety (number of patients with adverse drug reactions [ADRs]). From an initial group of 14 comparative trials identified, 6 comparative studies (1 double blind) conducted in adults could be retained for analysis. Four pediatric studies initially selected had to be rejected because of heterogeneity of data at baseline.