Role of Oral Iron Treatment in the Management of Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy in an 18-Month-Old Toddler: A Case Report

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular (LV) dilatation and systolic dysfunction, is the most common cardiomyopathy in pediatric populations. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency around the globe and mainly affects children. The most common causes of iron deficiency in children include inadequate iron intake, malabsorption, abnormal red blood cells, and gastrointestinal losses related to excessive intake of cow's milk. Iron deficiency anemia has been implicated in the development of secondary cardiomyopathy [Higgins D et al. Am J Cardiol 2017; 120: 2049–2055, Mueller GC et al. Int J Pediatr 2012; 2012: 452909]. Iron is the most critical part of the cellular mechanism in cellular immunity, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen transport, and oxygen storage [Beard JL. J Nutr 2001; 131: 568S–579S; discussion 580S]. Herein, we would like to present the case of an 18-month-old toddler with severe iron deficiency anemia and cardiac dysfunction to highlight the critical repercussions of inadequate iron intake in childhood age.