Use of intravenous iron dextran injection in children receiving total parenteral nutrition.

We conducted studies using intravenous (IV) iron dextran injection in 14 hospitalized infants and children with iron deficiency who required total parenteral nutrition. A single, total dose of IV iron dextran was administered during a two-hour period (preceded by a test dose of 25 mg). Doses administered ranged from 50 to 782 mg, with an average dose of 15.2 mg/kg body weight. No adverse reactions were noted during the test dose or infusion. The IV administration of iron dextran appears to be a safe method of treatment for iron repletion in children who are unable to tolerate feedings as a result of malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic debilitating diseases.