Investigating Iron Dosing in Premature Infants

Pilot Non-inferiority Study Investigating Daily Versus Every Other Day Dosing of Oral Iron in Premature Infants.

Not applicable Interventional CHRISTUS Health · NCT06555315

This study tests if giving iron to premature infants every other day works just as well as daily doses to keep their iron levels healthy while causing fewer stomach issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages26 Weeks to 32 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorCHRISTUS Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Antonio, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06555315 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial examines the effectiveness of administering oral iron every other day compared to daily dosing in premature infants to achieve similar iron replete status by 36 weeks post-menstrual age. The study focuses on very low birth weight infants who are at high risk for iron deficiency due to their premature birth and rapid growth. By utilizing a randomized control design, the trial aims to determine if less frequent dosing can maintain iron levels while potentially reducing gastrointestinal side effects. The findings could provide insights into optimal iron supplementation strategies for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized premature infants born between 26 to 32 weeks of gestation who are on full enteral feeds and have started oral iron supplementation.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities, or conditions affecting iron metabolism will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved iron supplementation protocols for premature infants, enhancing their health outcomes and neurodevelopment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in older populations have shown that every other day iron supplementation is effective, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for premature infants.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children (Minor \< 18 years of age)
* Neonates
* Hospitalized
* Premature infants who are on full enteral feeds and are started on oral iron
* Premature infants who completed 26 0/7 to 32 6/7 weeks' gestation at birth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with known congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities (such as Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 21), conditions that affect iron metabolism (such as thalassemia or hemochromatosis), bleeding disorders or coagulopathy, and received iron parenterally prior to randomization

Where this trial is running

San Antonio, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Very Low Birth Weight InfantPremature InfantsAnemia of PrematurityIron Deficiency, Anaemia in ChildrenExtremely Low Birth WeightPremature infantsIronanemia of prematurity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.