Anemia in Indian Children and Management

Abstract

Anemia is defined as hemoglobin level of less than the 5th percentile for age [1]. It is a common condition in children seen in everyday practice. It has to be detected early to prevent complications. Anemia is more common in children below 2 years of age. Most children with mild anemia are asymptomatic. Hence, in many countries where the prevalence of anemia is very high it is common practice to screen for anemia at 1 year of age. Most cases of anemia in our country are caused by nutritional deficiency of iron, and or vitamins. Simple investigations and treatment are adequate to diagnose and manage most of the cases of anemia. Medical practitioners should have a thorough knowledge about the common causes of anemia and their management. Referral to a Pediatric Hematologist is required only in some cases. Before arriving at a conclusion we should compare the blood results with normal values for that age. Anemia in the newborn may be due to blood loss, hemolysis caused by blood group incompatibilities or abnormalities of the cell membranes of the RBCs or its enzymes. During infancy and childhood the commonest cause of Anemia is nutritional, of which iron deficiency is more common. Folic acid and B12 deficiency can also cause anemia. Thalassemia major and severe forms of hereditary spherocytosis cause anemia and jaundice requiring blood transfusion and iron chelation and folic acid therapy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is not common in children. In some inherited diseases like Thalassemia Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation offers the best hope for cure.