Study of Prevalence of Anaemia and Haematological Parameters in Children of Maharashtra below 12 years

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a widespread public health problem associated with increase risk of morbidity andmortality especially in children and women of reproductive age.Method: 120 children below 12 years of age suffering with anaemia were studied. The blood examination wasdone to rule out PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RPW, Hb% PS study, reticulocytecount and serum Iron (Fe), serumB12 and folic acids.Results: 65 (54.1%) had Iron deficiency, 17 (14.1%) had Thalassemia, 13 (10.8%) had Megaloblast anaemia,12 (10%)anaemia of acute haemorrhage, 7 (5.83%) had sickle cell anaemia, 4 (3.33%) had Aplastic anaemic, 2 (1.66%) hadleukaemia. Clinical manifestation included mainly pallor 120 (100%),103 (85.8%) weakness and fatigability 42(35%) fever, 29 (24%) had IC term, 24 (20%) shortness of breathing, 21 (27.5%) hepatomegely, 15 (12.5%) history ofpica, 23 (19.1%) had mild, 59 (49.1%) had moderate, 38 (31.6%) had severe anaemic on the basis of haemoglobinlevel profile.Conclusion: Iron deficiently is the major cause of anaemia followed by thalassemia, megaloblastic, acutehaemorrigic sickle cell, aplastic anaemia. This pragmatic study in children certainly helps the nutrition expert andpaediatrician to treat such children efficiently to avoid morbidity and mortality.