The effect of iron deficiency anemia on myocardial function in pediatrics

Abstract

BackgroundIron deficiency is one of the most common types of anemia in children. Anemia leads to tissue hypoxia, which activates compensatory mechanisms such as increased cardiac output. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a useful echocardiographic technique for evaluation of regional and global myocardial systolic and diastolic function. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine whether iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects myocardial function in pediatric patients using conventional echocardiography and TDI. MethodsThis case-control study was conducted at an outpatient general pediatric clinic in cooperation with the Cardiology Unit of the Pediatric Department of Fayoum University Hospital from May 2021 to February 2022. The study included 30 cases with IDA and 30 apparently healthy children. The two study groups were matched for age and sex. ResultsThere was an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), while the control group showed increased ejection time (ET). There was a statistically significant lower mean E/A ratio among cases. There was a positive correlation between serum iron levels, ET, and isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) among the cases. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between hemoglobin levels and LVEDD in the entire study group. No significant difference was found between the two study groups regarding the Tei index. ConclusionMinimal alterations in LV function parameters may occur due to IDA. A decrease in serum iron levels was significantly associated with further decreases in ET and IVCT. Additionally, there was a statistically significant lower mean E/A ratio among cases.