Anemia In Infants Research Articles

CLINICO-HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF NUTRITIONAL ANEMIA IN HOSPITALISED INFANTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Anemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children. As many as 67.1% children aged 6-59 mo surveyed suffered from anemia in 2019 and 65.5% in Karnataka, according to NFHS-5. Nutritional anemia is most common but preventable cause for anemia in children in developing countries. This is due to improper feeding habits, especially during the initiation of complementary foods. Hence the present study is to know the pattern of anemia in infants of age group between 6 mo to 12 mo and to assess the nutritional and other associated risk factors contributing to Anemia.
 Methods: This study was carried out in 193 children aged 6 mo to 12 mo admitted in our hospital. Detailed clinical evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations were done as per proforma.
 Results: In our study majority were of age group 6 to 9 mo (52.8%). 40.4% of mothers of our study infants were anemic during pregnancy and 9.3% were blood transfused. Majority (53.4%) were exclusively breastfed. 45.6% were started on complementary feeding at 4 to 6 mo age.17.6% were moderately wasted and 9.3% of infants were severely wasted. There was a significant association between severity of anemia and mother’s anemia, inclusion of cow’s milk in diet, adequacy of complementary feeding, and inclusion of formula feeds (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: Nutritional anemia is most common cause of anemia in childhood, especially in developing countries like India. Parents and caregiver need awareness regarding the effect, causes of anemia and how to prevent it.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation and gene therapy for Diamond-Blackfan anemia: state of the art and science.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is one of the most common inherited causes of bone marrow failure in children. DBA typically presents with isolated erythroid hypoplasia and anemia in infants. Congenital anomalies are seen in 50% of the patients. Over time, many patients experience panhematopoietic defects resulting in immunodeficiency and multilineage hematopoietic cytopenias. Additionally, DBA is associated with increased risk of myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia and solid organ cancers. As a prototypical ribosomopathy, DBA is caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations or deletions in over 20 ribosomal protein genes, with RPS19 being involved in 25% of patients. Corticosteroids are the only effective initial pharmacotherapy offered to transfusion-dependent patients aged 1 year or older. However, despite good initial response, only ~20-30% remain steroid-responsive while the majority of the remaining patients will require life-long red blood cell transfusions. Despite continuous chelation, iron overload and related toxicities pose a significant morbidity problem. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) performed to completely replace the dysfunctional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is a curative option associated with potentially uncontrollable risks. Advances in HLA-typing, conditioning regimens, infection management, and graft-versus-host-disease prophylaxis have led to improved transplant outcomes in DBA patients, though survival is suboptimal for adolescents and adults with long transfusion-history and patients lacking well-matched donors. Additionally, many patients lack a suitable donor. To address this gap and to mitigate the risk of graft-versus-host disease, several groups are working towards developing autologous genetic therapies to provide another curative option for DBA patients across the whole age spectrum. In this review, we summarize the results of HCT studies and review advances and potential future directions in hematopoietic stem cell-based therapies for DBA.

Review of intervention products for use in the prevention and control of anemia.

Anemia remains a major public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization recommends several interventions to prevent and manage anemia in vulnerable population groups, including young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women. Daily iron supplementation reduces the risk of anemia in infants, children, and pregnant women, and intermittent iron supplementation reduces anemia risk in menstruating girls and women. Micronutrient powders reduce the risk of anemia in children. Fortifying wheat flour with iron reduces the risk of anemia in the overall population, whereas the effect of fortifying maize flour and rice is still uncertain. Regarding non-nutrition-related interventions, malaria treatment and deworming have been reported to decrease anemia prevalence. Promising interventions to prevent anemia include vitamin A supplementation, multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, small-quantity lipid-based supplements, and fortification of salt with iodine and iron. Future research could address the efficacy and safety of different iron supplementation formulations, identify the most bioavailable form of iron for fortification, examine adherence to supplementation regimens and fortification standards, and investigate the effectiveness of integrating micronutrient, helminth, and malaria control programs.

Bionics investigation of blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the interpretable biomechanics diagnosis of childhood anemia.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) causes a wide range of health problems, including anemia in infants. If not treated promptly, it may create serious issues for infants with long-term impacts. Therefore, a satisfactory solution to this problem is required. This investigation was to explore the correlation between the blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and childhood anemia. In this investigation, a cross-sectional examination was performed on 2,942 babies ranging in age from 2 to 36 months and classified into three cohorts: VDD (Vitamin D deficiency), VDI (Vitamin D insufficiency), and VDS (Vitamin D sufficiency). Multiple-variables and multinomially-related logistic regressions for examining the anemia status-vitamin D (Vit-D) relationship of the baseline as the interpretable visual quality models were examined. The median serum 25(OH)D level in 2,942 infants was 24.72±4.26 ng/l, with 661 cases (22.5%) of VDD and 1710 cases of deficiency (58.1%), and a noticeable seasonal variation (p<0.05). Anemia was present in 28.5% of the VDD group compared with 3.3% in vit-D sufficient infants (p<0.0001). Lower levels of 25(OH)D were found to be associated with an increased risk of anemia in a multiple-variable regression analysis.In healthy children, low 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased risk of anemia. Biologically inspired, primary care physicians should assess Vit-D levels and place a greater emphasis on adequate supplementation for deficiency prevention.

Effectiveness of weekly and daily iron administration for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

Introduction. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency and the main cause of anemia in infants. There is consensus on daily iron supplementation as a preventive strategy; and weekly iron supplementation has also been shown to be effective, but evidence in infants is scarce. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of daily versus weekly iron administration for the prevention of ID anemia (IDA) in infants. Population and methods. Randomized, controlled clinical trial. Infants seen at a public health center, without anemia at 3 months of age, were randomized into 3 groups: daily supplementation (1 mg/kg/day), weekly supplementation (4 mg/kg/week), or no supplementation (control group with exclusive breastfeeding [EB]). Anemia and ID were assessed at 3 and 6 months old. Adherence and adverse events were recorded. Data were analyzed using the R software, version 4.0.3. Results. A total of 227 infants participated. At 6 months, the group of infants with EB without supplementation (control) had a higher prevalence of ID and IDA than the intervention groups (daily and weekly). ID: 40.5% versus 13.5% and 16.7% (p = 0.002); IDA: 33.3% versus 7.8% and 10% (p < 0.001). There were no differences between the daily and weekly supplementation groups. There were also no differences in the percentage of high adherence to supplementation (50.6% daily versus 57.1% weekly) or adverse events. Conclusions. No significant differences in effectiveness were observed between daily and weekly administration for the prevention of infant IDA.

The Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping (DCC) on Haemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Saturation Levels in Newborns

Background: The case of iron deficiency anaemia in infants is a serious health problem because it interferes with mental and cognitive development. DCC prolongs blood flow from the placenta to the baby through the umbilical cord, increases blood volume, and optimizes oxygen transfusion which might prevent anemia and promote effective self-breathing. Objective: To determine the effect of DCC on Haemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Saturation Levels in Newborns. Method: Experimental research with Post-test Only Control Group design. The total Sampling method was used on 30 newborns as the samples, with 15 intervention groups and 15 control groups. Data collection used the Delayed Cord Clamping procedure, observation sheets, Easy Touch GCHb tool, and Baby SpO2. An Independent T-test was used to process the data. Results: Based on the experiment on 30 infants, it found that the average hemoglobin level of new-borns with the Delayed Cord Clamping treatment was 22.07 gr/dL higher than the hemoglobin level of new-borns without the Delayed Cord Clamping treatment of 17.79 gr/dL. In addition, the average oxygen saturation level of newborns with the Delayed Cord Clamping treatment was 87.4% more than that of newborns without the Delayed Cord Clamping treatment of 77.4%. Conclusion: DCC affects Haemoglobin Levels and Oxygen Saturation Levels in Newborns in the Work Area of the Aikmel Regional Health Centre. There is a need to increase information about the benefits of DCC among health workers.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. Epidemiological data indi- cate that iron deficiency is more prevalent in infants, in preschool-children, and in adolescents. Etiologies of iron deficiency in children include inadequate dietary iron intake, which is the most common cause, as well as increased iron requirements, bleeding, and intestinal iron absorption disorders. Iron deficiency can lead to symptoms related to anemia, may interfere with neuro- development and may cause skin, hair, nail, and gastrointestinal problems. This review focuses on the causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in infancy, child- hood, and adolescence.

Iron Preparations in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Iron Preparations in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Prevalence of Anaemia in Infants and Children Aged 2-59 Months Hospitalised in the Paediatric Ward of the CSREF CII in the District of Bamako

Introduction: Anemia remains a public health problem in both industrialized and developing countries. Developing countries have the highest prevalence, especially in children. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia in children aged 2-59 months in the paediatric ward of the commune II health centre in Bamako. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study which took place from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018, i.e. a period of 2 years. All children aged 2 months to 59 months hospitalised with clinical anaemia who had a blood count or haemoglobin and/or haematocrit measurement hospitalised in the paediatric ward during the study period were included. Anemia was defined according to WHO criteria. The etiological search was guided by clinical signs and complementary examinations. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 16.63%. The age group 12 to 23 months was the most represented. The children were predominantly male (56%). The anaemia was severe in 50%, moderate and mild in 50%. The anaemia was predominantly microcytic and hypochromic in 68%. Fever was the first reason for consultation in 75% and malaria was the main pathology in 56%. The mortality rate of anaemic patients was 3%. Conclusion: Anemia is a real problem among children in commune II. The main etiology was malaria. Strengthening malaria prevention could reduce its incidence.

Normal range and predictors of serum erythroferrone in infants.

Erythroferrone (ERFE) has been identified as a hepcidin-regulating hormone synthetized by erythroblasts correlating to the erythropoietic activity and the needs for iron substrate in bone marrow of adults. The present study aimed to assess the ERFE serum concentrations and its predictors in infants. ERFE was explored at 4 time points during the first year of life in 45 healthy, breastfed, normal birth weight (NBW) infants, and 136 marginally low birth weight infants (LBW, 2000-2500 g) receiving iron (N = 58) or placebo (N = 78) between 6 weeks and 6 months of age. ERFE concentrations were low at birth, increasing gradually during the first year of life. In NBW infants, reference ranges (5th to 95th percentile) were at 6 weeks <0.005-0.99 ng/mL and at 12 months <0.005-33.7 ng/mL. ERFE was higher in LBW infants at 6 weeks but lower at 12 months compared to NBW and minimally affected by iron supplementation among LBW infants. Correlations of ERFE with erythropoietic and iron status markers were weak and inconsistent. The role of ERFE in the crosstalk of erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis remains unclear in infants and further studies on ERFE in infants and older children are warranted within the framework of the erythropoietin-ERFE-hepcidin axis. Normal range of erythroferrone in healthy infants is described for the first time. Erythroferrone in infants lacks correlation to iron status and markers of erythropoiesis. The findings indicate differences in infant regulation of iron homeostasis as compared to adults. The findings point to a need to study infant erythropoiesis separately from its adult counterpart. The findings may have clinical impact on management strategies of iron-loading anemia in infancy.

Association between anaemia and vitamin D insufficiency among 6- to 12-month-old infants: implications for clinical practice.

Anaemia and vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) are among the most common nutritional problems. Anaemia screening is routinely performed; however, screening for VDI is not usually recommended. To study the association between anaemia and VDI and identify the risk factors for VDI. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 120 infants aged 6-12 months attending a well-child clinic at Songklanagarind Hospital between December 2020 and November 2021. Sociodemographic data and 24-h food records were also collected. Blood samples were obtained for complete blood count and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for VDI. The mean 25(OH)D level was 22.2 ± 8.9 ng/mL in anaemic infants and 27.2 ± 9.6 ng/mL in non-anaemic infants (P value 0.01). The median (IQR) Hb level was 11.1 g/dL (10.3, 11.4) in the VDI group and 11.4 g/dL (11, 12.1) in the non-VDI group (P value 0.002). The proportion of breastfed infants was higher in infants with anaemia (80%) (P < 0.001) and VDI (85.3%) (P < 0.001). Sunlight exposure <15 min/day (odds ratio [OR] 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-12.00; P = 0.020) was a risk factor, and vitamin D intake (OR 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.74; P = 0.004) was a protective factor for VDI. Infants with anaemia, short duration of sunlight exposure, breastfeeding, low vitamin D intake, and low iron intake were more likely to be vitamin D insufficient. However, after adjustment in the multivariate analyses, only sunlight exposure and vitamin D intake were significantly associated with vitamin D insufficiency.

Severe Anemia in Infants: Don't Miss the Clues.

Severe Anemia in Infants: Don't Miss the Clues.

Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Exclusively Breastfed and Infants Fed on Cow’s Milk

Introduction: Iron is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in infants and young children around the world despite its importance for healthy brain development. Infants who drink whole cow's milk or other animal milks are at a greater risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia. In our culture, cow's milk consumption is widespread. There were no local studies available on iron deficiency anemia in infants using different types of milk so need for the present study was felt. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of exclusively breastfed and cow’s milk fed infants at 3 month of age and to compare the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in exclusively breastfed and cow’s milk fed infants. Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study. Setting and Duration: Research was conducted at the Medical Outpatient Department of The Children’s Hospital and The Institute of Child Health Lahore from 08/02/2022 to 07/08/2022. Material and Methods: This study involved 220 infants of both genders at 3 months of age presenting for vaccination. Outcome variables were frequency of exclusive breast feeding and iron deficiency anemia. All patients' guardians signed an informed consent form. Results: There were 115 (52.3%) male and 105 (47.7%) female patients in the study group. The Hb of the patients ranged from 7.6 g/dl to 14.5 g/dl with a mean of 11.00±1.98 g/dl while the serum iron level ranged from 41 µg/dl to 115 µg/dl with a mean of 67.94±22.99 µg/dl. Majority of the parents (56.4%) belonged to poor class and 46.4% mothers were illiterate. The frequency of exclusive breastfed infants was 45 (20.5%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of exclusive breast feeding across gender (p=0.873), socioeconomic (p=0.900) and educational (p=0.858) status. 76 (34.5%) Infants had iron deficiency anemia. The frequency of iron deficiency anemia was higher among infants on cow’s milk (37.7% vs. 22.2%) as compared to those on exclusive breast feeding however the observed difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.051). Similar insignificant difference was observed across gender, socioeconomic and educational status groups. Conclusion: The frequency of exclusive breastfed infants was 45 (20.5%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of exclusive breast feeding across gender (p=0.873), socioeconomic (p=0.900) and educational (p=0.858) status. 76 (34.5%) Infants had iron deficiency anemia. The frequency of iron deficiency anemia was insignificantly higher among infants on cow’s milk (37.7% vs. 22.2%; p=0.051) as compared to those on exclusive breast feeding. Similar insignificant difference was observed across gender, socioeconomic and educational status groups. Keywords: Exclusive Breast Feeding, Cow’s Milk Feeding, Iron Deficiency Anemia

Nirsevimab come immunoprofilassi universale dell’infezione da virus respiratorio sinciziale?

Anaemia is a common issue in the paediatric age group and it is not uncommon to encounter severe cases of anaemia in the Paediatric Emergency Unit. The correct identification of patients requiring urgent care is of central importance to provide timely interventions. However, considering that most patients are haemodynamically stable, transfusions are not always mandatory. Even in the setting of the Emergency Unit, the differential diagnosis can be narrowed with specific laboratory tests. The paper presents three exemplary cases from the experience of a Paediatric Emergency Unit that will help to provide a summary of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to severe anaemia in infants and children.

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in hospitalized infants

Iron is vital, as it is essential for many metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, electron transport, DNA synthesis and repair. Iron balance in the body is regulated carefully so that iron losses are compensated by sufficient iron absorption. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia and is typically due to insufficient intake, poor absorption or overt or occult blood loss. The World Health Organization has recognized iron deficiency anemia as the most common nutritional deficiency in the world with 30% of the population being affected. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in 152 hospitalized infants between 1-12 months old. Iron deficiency anemia resulted highly prevalent in this age group, 45% of infants had Hemoglobin level &lt;10g/dl. Despite nutrition, there are other social-economic factors that play a role in the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in infants. Conclusively it is stated that, as iron deficiency impairs neurologic development and growth in infants, an adequate clinical attention and evaluation should be directed towards it. Routine screening starting at 9 to 12 months is recommended to help preventing the development of anemia. It is also important adequate weaning and early introduction of iron-rich foods, 4-6 months of age.

Iron supplementation and deworming during pregnancy reduces the risk of anemia and stunting in infants less than 2 years of age: a study from Sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, infant anemia, stunting and low birth weight remains major public health problems. It is unclear whether prenatal iron supplementation and/or deworming can reduce the risk of infant stunting, anemia and low birth weight. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron supplementation and/or deworming and stunting, anemia, and low birth weight in infants under two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsOur studies examined pooled data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in twenty-three African countries collected between 2014 and 2020. childhood anemia and stunting in infants under the age of two were the primary outcomes. Iron supplementation and deworming during prenatal visits were the main exposure variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate these relationships.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting was 29.9%, severe stunting was 10.6%, childhood anemia was 74.3%, childhood severe anemia was 3.2%, and low birth weight was 16.4%, respectively. The use of prenatal iron supplementation alone was associated with a significant reduction of childhood anemia [aOR (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.8–1.0)]. Prenatal deworming alone was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stunting [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–1.0)], childhood anemia [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–0.9)], and low birth weight [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–1.0)]. Prenatal iron supplementation plus deworming or iron supplementation (with or without deworming) were not associated with childhood anemia, infant stunting and low birth weight.ConclusionsIn Sub-Saharan Africa, prenatal deworming alone has the potential to improve infants’ outcomes. Childhood anemia was improved with prenatal iron supplementation alone. Our recent findings indicate the necessity for prospective studies on the association between prenatal iron supplementation plus deworming and childhood anemia, stunting and low birth weight.

Prevalence of Malaria and Anaemia among Pregnant Women Attending the Ante Natal Clinic in A Tertiary Institution in South-West Nigeria

Malaria is a major public health infection in tropical and subtropical regions within the world. Africa has the most malaria-endemic areas (Amadi and Nwankwo, 2012). Malaria is a serious infectious disease that mostly affects children under the age of five and pregnant women (Amadi and Nwankwo, 2012). Malaria raises the potential risk of low birth weight and child mortality in the first year of life, causing intrauterine retardation, premature birth, and anemia in infants (Aribodor et al., 2007). Past research has discovered a linkage among malaria and anemia, particularly in pregnant mothers and children. The component is known to be hemolysis of the erythrocytes because of Plasmodium infection, along with the resultant folate deficiency and hypersplenism (Ugwu et al., 2014). Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae are the species that cause malaria. Plasmodium falciparum is the most widespread and virulent parasite, and it is found throughout Africa, accounting for more than 95 percent of cases in Nigeria Plasmodium falciparum is the species that has given rise to the formidable drug-resistant strain in Asia (Amali et al., 2011). Malaria infection is most frequent in primigravidae than in multigravidae, but multigravidae are also susceptible because of a higher rate of malaria during pregnancy than previously or after pregnancy. The height of prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum is somewhere in the range of week 9 to 16 of gestation and reduces towards childbirth (Amadi and Nwankwo, 2012).

Serum metabolomics of iron deficiency anemia in infants based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

To explore the differential metabolites in the serum of infants with iron deficiency anemia(IDA) and non iron deficiency anemia, and to explore the potential biomarkers. Non-targeted metabolomics of 30 infants with iron deficiency anemia aged 6-11 months and 30 infants with non iron deficiency anemia aged 6-11 months were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry using Acquity UPLC BEH C_(18) column(100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The differences of metabolites between the two groups were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Differential metabolites were screened according to OPLS-DA variable importance projection(VIP) &gt;1. The related metabolic pathways involved in the markers were analyzed based on the KEGG database. Differences in serum metabolic profiles between iron deficiency anemia group and non iron deficiency anemia group were observed. The 44 potential biomarkers were mainly lipids. Combined with pathway analysis, the metabolic pathways related to different metabolites included glycerophosphingolipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. There are differences in lipid metabolites between infants with non iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia, suggesting that the occurrence and progress of iron deficiency anemia are related to lipid metabolism.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Anemia Among Hospitalized Children in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Botswana.

Anemia is a global health concern and has been associated with long term cognitive and behavioral adverse effects. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for anemia in infants and children between 6 months to 5 years of age admitted to a tertiary hospital in Botswana. Baseline full blood count of every patient admitted during the study period was assessed to determine if anemia was present. Data were collected from patient's medical inpatient chart, electronic medical record (Integrated Patient Management System (IPMS)), and through interviewing parents and caregivers. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors of anemia. A total of 250 patients were included in the study. Prevalence of anemia in this cohort was 42.8%. There were 145 (58%) males. Of the patients with anemia, 56.1%, 39.2%, and 4.7% had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. Microcytic anemia consistent with iron deficiency was identified in 61 (57%) patients. Age was the only independent predictor of anemia. Children aged 24 months and more had a 50% lower risk of having anemia than their younger counterparts (odds ratio (OR) 0.52; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.30 to 0.89). The findings of this study demonstrate anemia as a serious health concern in the pediatric population in Botswana.

Assessment of cellular immunity by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts in 2–12-year-old children with iron-deficiency anemia

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in children and infants can have long-term adverse consequences on neurodevelopment and behavior, which can be irrevocable in some cases and detrimental to the immune system. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IDA and its effects on immunity in CD8 and CD4 lymphocytes. Settings and Designs: This was a prospective study. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 pediatric cases (2–12 years) were first time diagnosed as IDA based on complete blood count (CBC) parameters, peripheral blood smear, and serum ferritin levels. Flow cytometric immune assays were used to determine the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+. Statistical Analysis: Pearson's correlation coefficient and Students' unpaired t-test were used. Results: The difference between the case and control groups in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) indices, red cell distribution width, RBC count, and serum ferritin is highly significant. A significant linear positive association between CD3+ and CD4+ cell counts and serum ferritin and a significant linear positive correlation between CD4+ cell counts and Hb were observed. However, there was a nonsignificant linear positive association of both parameters, hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) with CD3+ cell count, CD4+ cell count, and CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio. Conclusion: Iron deficiency does not affect total white blood cell count or differential leukocyte count on routine CBC, but it can alter cellular immunity (CD3+ cell count, CD4+ cell count, and CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio).