The effects of praziquantel with or without multiple micronutrients and/or iron on hematologic responses among anemic school children infected with Schistosoma haematobium

Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) and anemia are prevalent among school children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Sh requires treatment with praziquantel (PZ). Additional benefits, if any, of multiple micronutrients (MMN) over iron (Fe) on hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) are unknown and potentially important to public health strategies in Sh affected regions. Hence, 446 7-12 y anemic children (Hb < 12 g/dL) with Sh were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial in Mali. All received PZ at baseline and then were assigned to MMN, Fe, MMN+Fe or no supplementation. Supplements were given 5 d/wk under supervision for 12 wk. Key characteristics did not differ at recruitment. After 12 wk, all groups (n=411) benefited; Hb, g/dL (0.95±0.10)* and SF, μg/L (40.42±6.32)* increased (p<0.001) in the supplemented groups compared to the PZ only group. Hb and SF were improved (p<0.05) by MMN+Fe (0.54±0.12 and 38.82±6.50, respectively)*, MMN (0.46±0.11 and 13.70±5.52, respectively)*, and Fe (0.72±0.13 and 59.91±7.49, respe...