Specialties
The effect of treatment with iron and zinc on early childhood development in Zanzibar
Pollitt, Ernesto — Pediatrics
General summary
Anemia is a serious public health problem among young children in Zanzibar. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with poorer development in infants and toddlers. Iron and zinc treatment has been related to increased activity in deficient young children. However, randomized studies have not determined unequivocally whether iron supplementation prevents or corrects developmental delays among young children at risk for anemia.
Parasitic infections are also very common in Zanzibar. These infections have been associated with cognitive performance in school children. Anthelminthic treatment has been shown to improve growth and activity in children with parasites. The effect of anthelminthic treatment on anemia and early child development has not been addressed in the scientific literature.
These issues will be studied in a yearlong trial on the effects of iron-folate and/or zinc on growth and development in young anemic Zanzibari children. Subjects with severe anemia will be treated and followed to examine how anthelminthic medicine affects response to iron treatment.
Parasitic infections are also very common in Zanzibar. These infections have been associated with cognitive performance in school children. Anthelminthic treatment has been shown to improve growth and activity in children with parasites. The effect of anthelminthic treatment on anemia and early child development has not been addressed in the scientific literature.
These issues will be studied in a yearlong trial on the effects of iron-folate and/or zinc on growth and development in young anemic Zanzibari children. Subjects with severe anemia will be treated and followed to examine how anthelminthic medicine affects response to iron treatment.