Morphological pattern based analysis of anemia in paediatric age group

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a global public health problem and is a significant contributor to the global health disease. It is more prevalent among low socioeconomic groups. Young children are more vulnerable to the effects of anemia since it retards the physical and mental growth and development. Material and Methods: Hospital based prospective cross sectional study was undertaken for a period of 3 months. 200 cases were included for the study with hemoglobin less than 12g% and age group ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Results: Maximum numbers of the patients were in the range of 6 months to 1 year. Proportions of anemia in males was 58% when compared to females 42%. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the commonest type of anemia. Of 200 children with anemia studied, 102 children had Microcytic Hypochromic Anemia, 41 children had Normocytic Normochromic Anemia, 38 children had Normocytic Hypochromic Anemia,15 children had Dimorphic Anemia and 4 children had Macrocytic Anemia. Conclusion: Study of patterns of anemia is essential to direct the investigation since it reflects the underlying etiopathological factors. The Peripheral smear study with automated hemogram is beneficial and sufficient for diagnosis and morphological sub typing of anemia for the Paediatric population. Keywords: Anemia, Children, Dimorphic, Hypochromic, Microcytic.