Relationships between iron-dextran and vitamin E in iron deficiency anemia in children.

Abstract

Abstract Erythrocyte hydrogen peroxide fragility was abnormally elevated in vitamin E-sufficient children with moderate to severe degrees of iron deficiency anemia, which suggests that the iron-deficient red cell lacks the normal capacity to protect against peroxidation of its membrane lipid component. Hydrogen peroxide fragility rose significantly during iron-dextran administration, which supports the contention that iron increases in vitro red cell lipid peroxidation. Priming patients with vitamin E during iron administration prevented a rise in hydrogen peroxide fragility. A delay in reticulocyte response and hemoglobin rise was noted in those patients who received excess vitamin E in addition to iron-dextran therapy. A possible explanation for this delay is discussed.