Abstract

We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of universal screening of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children under five years of age for improving growth, cognitive function, and psychomotor development. We assessed the accuracy of the screening tests for detecting IDA, the efficacy of existing treatment for children with IDA, and the potential harms associated with screening and treatment.We conducted a literature search up to the 18th of August 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.There is no suitable test for IDA screening that is non-invasive with high accuracy for detecting IDA and there is uncertainty whether IDA in children causes cognitive and psychomotor delays. There is a lack of evidence on the effects of routine screening for IDA in asymptomatic children under five years of age on growth, cognitive and psychomotor development outcomes.Universal screening of IDA in children under five years of age is not recommended by most organisations such as the Spanish Association of Primary Care Paediatrics, the United Kingdom National Screening Committee, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force, but is recommended by the American Academy of Paediatrics. However, selective screening of IDA is recommended in infants and children with risk factors including prematurity, low birth weight, and dietary risk factors.

Highlights

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region is developing a new pocket book for primary health care for children and adolescents in Europe

  • Effectiveness of population-based iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) screening in children under five years of age We found no studies that evaluated the effectiveness of IDA screening in asymptomatic children between six and 24 months of age [8]

  • There is no suitable test for IDA screening that is non-invasive with high accuracy for detecting IDA

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Summary

Introduction

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) European Region is developing a new pocket book for primary health care for children and adolescents in Europe. 4. Does population-based IDA screening and treatment in children under five years of age improve growth, cognitive function, and psychomotor development? The USPSTF review included trials and control observational studies assessing screening in children between six and 24 months of age conducted in developed countries, as well as the effectiveness and harms of routine iron supplementation, and the association between a change in iron status and improvement in child health outcomes [8].

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