Effect of Hemoglobin Level on the Severity of Acute Bronchiolitis in Children: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant health problem that is seen in about 40% of children worldwide. It affects a child’s physical and mental development, performance of work and maintenance of their health. Anemia increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection in children, yet there is not enough evidence that shows the effect of iron deficiency anemia on acute bronchiolitis. Aim: To evaluate the effect of anemia on the severity of acute bronchiolitis in infants. Methodology: A total of 160 infants were included in the study, 100 of whom were having acute bronchiolitis while 60 of them were included as a control group. This contrast analysis was conducted on 3 groups of patients having mild, moderate and severe bronchiolitis. A low haemoglobin level (HB) was below 12 grams/dL. This is considered to be an SD of <2. They ranged from 1 month to 2 years of age. Results: Children having acute bronchiolitis had comparatively lower haemoglobin level and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) than in those who were healthy controls. Whereas, the median red cell distribution was higher in patients with acute bronchiolitis. If patients had a haemoglobin level lower than or equal to 10 grams/dL, it is more likely that the bronchiolitis getting worse, that is increasing ten times in patients with acute bronchiolitis. A negative correlation was seen between the severity of bronchiolitis and haemoglobin level. Conclusion: Infants suffering from anemia are more likely to have acute bronchiolitis and the intensity of anemia increases the severity of bronchiolitis. In infants, early identification and treatment of iron deficiency anemia may reduce the incidence and severity of acute bronchiolitis.