Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia

Children with iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) usually do not respond to oral iron therapy. However, some children with IRIDA may partially respond to high doses of oral iron, prolonged oral iron therapy, or oral iron therapy combined with vitamin C. Medical researchers suggest the different responses to iron therapies may be linked to the exact change or mutation in the TMPRSS6 gene causing IRIDA.^[1][2]

Current treatment guidelines recommend an initial trial of oral iron along with vitamin C for several weeks to see if the anemia improves. If there is no improvement or minimal improvement, further treatment involves intravenous (IV) iron therapy. Even with IV therapy, only a partial improvement is expected.^[1][2] However in most cases, partial improvement of mild to moderate anemia results in enough healthy red blood cells to provide all of the body with oxygen.^[1] In addition, although only a few people with IRIDA have been followed into adulthood, red blood cell levels have been found to increase to low normal levels, suggesting treatment of adults with IRIDA may not be needed.^[1][2]

Children with IRIDA typically have normal growth and development.^[3][4][1][2] While information regarding the long-term effects of IRIDA are limited, in general, signs and symptoms of IRIDA appear to improve with age.^[1][2]