Iron deficiency anemia in hospitalized children

Abstract

Iron is an abundant element on earth. It is used by nearly all forms of life from micro-organisms to humans for their developmental and survival as it is part of many enzymes involved in biological processes such as DNA synthesis, oxygen transport, and cellular energy production. Anemia is the most widely recognized manifestation of iron deficiency. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, based on age, in 200 hospitalized children 0-14 years old. Hemoglobin <12g/dL was found in 54.5% of children, 69% of the children 0-2years old had Hb<12g/dL, 51% of the children 2-6years old had Hb<12g/dL, and 19% of the children 6-14years old had Hb<12g/dL. In conclusion iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in hospitalized children, infants are the group mostly affected. Iron deficiency anemia is a major health concern as it increases risk of child morbidity, impairs cognitive and physical developmental in children and reduces school performance. It is an easily treated medical condition with excellent outcome, so a meticulous clinical attention and evaluation should be kept for children of any age.