Terrible twos: intravenous iron ameliorates a toddler's iron deficiency and sleep disturbance

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Identifier

DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9690

Abstract

The relation between iron deficiency and restless legs syndrome has been widely described and investigated in both adults and children. However, the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome relies on patients voicing their symptoms, which is very difficult for patients younger than age 5 years. Frequently, we evaluate children between ages 2 and 4 years whom parents describe as "restless sleepers," "difficult to settle down," or having "frequent awakening" or "bedtime resistance." Parents are concerned that their child's poor sleep quality is leading to daytime dysfunction such as increased sleepiness, behavioral outbursts, or hyperactivity. Many of these children are diagnosed with behavioral insomnia of childhood, and behavior modification therapy is recommended with variable degrees of success. Herein, we describe a 2-year-old with similar symptoms of restless sleep, bedtime resistance, and daytime sleepiness who was found to have an underlying iron deficiency without anemia that was treated successfully with iron infusion. We highlight the importance of evaluating for underlying iron deficiency even without anemia in patients with restless sleep and associated poor daytime behavior. We also describe some common challenges associated with iron therapy and clarify iron therapeutic targets.

Journal Title

J Clin Sleep Med

Volume

18

Issue

2

First Page

677

Last Page

680

Keywords

children; ferritin; intravenous iron; iron deficiency; restless legs syndrome

Link to Full Text
Library Record

Share

COinS