Anemia In Children Research Articles

Adolescent pregnancy, maternal and child anaemia: Empirical analysis from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

Early childbearing poses several potential risks to maternal and child health. This paper empirically analyses the association between teenage pregnancy and child nutritional status, maternal and child anaemia in three countries (Nigeria, India and Bangladesh) that account for the highest proportion of teenage births and/or total number of malnourished teenage mothers and children. Data were sourced from nine waves of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria from 2005-2018, covering a sample of 27,705 children from Bangladesh, 266,308 children from India and 54,719 children from Nigeria. Our outcome measures of maternal and child nutrition include (i) a composite measure of anthropometric failure for children (CIAF), (ii) maternal anaemia, (iii) childhood anaemia, and (iv) anaemia in maternal-child pairs. Using multivariate regression analysis, we examine the associations between early childbirth, child nutrition, and maternal and child anaemia, controlling for an array of household-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Across all three countries, the prevalence of CIAF (childhood anthropometric failure) is significantly higher among children born to women aged below 17 at first birth. We further find that early pregnancy and childbearing are associated with significantly higher rates of severe/moderate anaemia among both mothers and children in Bangladesh and Nigeria. In the three countries studied, the proportions of teenage mothers with vulnerable socioeconomic status and suboptimal pre-conception care are relatively high, which raises the risk of maternal and child morbidity as well as mortality.

Child anemia and the 2008 food price crisis in Senegal

Child anemia and the 2008 food price crisis in Senegal

Epidemiology of Anaemia in Children under Five in Uganda: Current Trends, Challenges, and Strategic Approaches

Anaemia in children under five years old is a significant public health issue in Uganda, affecting over half of the vulnerable population and posing challenges to their health and development. The issue is influenced by nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, socioeconomic factors, and limited healthcare access. Clinical manifestations include pallor, fatigue, and developmental delays, and early detection is difficult due to non-specific symptoms, resource constraints, and cultural practices. The impact of anaemia on child health and development is profound, affecting physical growth, cognitive and motor skills, and overall well-being. Nutritional interventions, such as iron supplementation, fortified foods, and dietary education, are crucial for managing anaemia. Effective healthcare responses and policies, including routine screenings, treatment programs, and community outreach, are also necessary. Preventive measures and treatment programs are crucial for combating malaria and other infectious diseases. Community-based approaches, including training health workers and implementing grassroots education programs, are essential for improving anaemia management. Addressing gender dynamics and socioeconomic determinants is vital for reducing anaemia rates. Monitoring and evaluation frameworks are essential for assessing the effectiveness of anaemia control programs and guiding future efforts. In conclusion, a coordinated approach integrating nutritional, healthcare, environmental, and socioeconomic strategies is necessary to combat anaemia in Uganda. Through continued efforts and collaboration, the burden of anaemia can be mitigated, leading to improved health outcomes for children under five. Keywords: Anaemia, Children, Uganda, Current Trends, Challenges, Strategic Approaches

Effectiveness of malaria chemoprevention in the first two years of life in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire compared to standard of care: study protocol for a population-based prospective cohort impact evaluation study

BackgroundPerennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) is a chemoprevention strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is increasingly being adopted by National Malaria Programmes. PMC aims to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by malaria and anaemia in in young children through provision of antimalarial drugs at routine contact points with the local health system. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the programmatically-implemented country-tailored PMC programmes targeting children up to two years of age using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) on the incidence of malaria and anaemia in children in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.MethodsWe will assess the impact of PMC using passive and active monitoring of a prospective observational cohort of children up to 36 months of age at recruitment in selected study sites in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. The primary and secondary outcomes include malaria, anaemia and malnutrition incidence. We will also conduct a time-series analysis of passively detected malaria and anaemia cases comparing the periods before and after PMC introduction. This study is powered to detect a 30% and 40% reduction of malaria incidence compared to the standard of care in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, respectively.DiscussionThis multi-country study aims to provide evidence of the effectiveness of PMC targeting children in the first two years of life on malaria and anaemia and will provide important information to inform optimal operationalization and evaluation of this strategy.Trial RegistrationCameroon - NCT05889052; Côte d’Ivoire - NCT05856357.

Child health outcomes and associated factors among under five years children in Ethiopia: a population attributable fractions analysis of Ethiopia demographic and health survey (2005–2016)

IntroductionIn Ethiopia, more than half (57%) of children aged 6–59 months were estimated to be anemic in 2016 alone. The country had about 37% of under-five children suffering from stunting and under-five mortality rate of 59 deaths per 1000 live births in 2019. The main purpose of this paper was to estimate the proportion of under-five children prevented from childhood undernutrition, anemia, and under-five mortality by removing the risk factors or inequalities.MethodThis cross-sectional study was based on a pooled total sample of 29,831 children aged 0–59 months drawn from three rounds of the Ethiopian Demography and Health Surveys (2005–2016). We employed multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the modifiable risk factors associated with childhood anemia, undernutrition, and under-five mortality among under-five children. We also used Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) to estimate the proportion of under-five children that could be prevented from childhood undernutrition, anemia, and under-five mortality by removing inequalities.ResultPAF analyses of risk factors of childhood anemia confirmed that 38.5% of occurrence of childhood anemia was attributed to five selected risk factors, which include having a large household size (5+), being in a poor household, being born from anemic and unemployed mothers, and being breastfed for less than six months. About 45.6% of occurrences of childhood undernutrition were attributed to unimproved toilet facility, solid cooking fuel, and home delivery. About 72% of the reported under-five mortality could possibly be averted by removing the use of unimproved toilet facilities, early age childbirth (< 18 years old mothers), and a large number of children ever born to mothers and less than six months breastfeeding practice at the population level.ConclusionThe present study suggests that a substantial reduction in the prevalence of childhood anemia, undernutrition, and under-five mortality in the country is attainable if child survival-focused program interventions and policies target households and mothers with low socioeconomic status and those who have low awareness of child healthcare, including breastfeeding practice and use of safe sanitation facilities.

Frequency of Nutritional Megaloblastic Anemia among Students in Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Megaloblastic anemia is a generative macrocytic anemia characterized by nuclear dysmaturity and the nucleus immature appearance in comparison to the cytoplasm due to a defect in DNA synthesis anemia is a rare ailment in children that is usually caused by a vitamin deficiency or gastrointestinal disorder Objectives: The main objective of this study was to detect the frequency of nutritional megaloblastic anemia in male elementary-school children by measuring hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), and serum folate levels. Methods: This study examined 300 male primary-school children in Khartoum, Sudan. A 2.5-ml of blood was drawn from each student and placed in an ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) vial to estimate the Hb level, RBC count, and HCT using an automated blood analyzer. Another 2.5 mL of blood were drawn from the same students into a plain container and examined for serum folate. Results: The mean Hb was 12.7 g/dl (two standard deviations), the RBC count was 4.71012 cells/L, and the mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 37.2%, and the mean serum folate was 4.4 ng/L. Conclusion: The blood parameters and serum folate were found to be within normal ranges. According to the findings, the nutritional status of the primary-school students was good, and megaloblastic anemia was not common. This type of research should be done on a frequent basis to assess children's nutritional health.

Study of Nutritional Anemia in Children Admitted to Pediatric Department in Rural Teaching Hospital of Telangana

Abstract Background: Globally, around 600 million preschool and school aged children are affected by anemia. According to World Health Organization, 65.5% of preschool children in southeast asia are anemic. Nutritional anemia is the commonest cause of anemia resulting from deficiencies of nutrients essential for red blood cell formation. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency amounting to 50%, followed by vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. This study is conducted to study the incidence of nutritional anemia among hospitalised children in a territory care teaching hospital in rural Telangana, in the age group of 6 months to 18 years and to bring awareness regarding the diet requirements in children in order to prevent deficiencies thereby the consequences of nutritional deficiencies. Method: This was a prospective hospital-based study conducted to study the incidence of Nutritional anemia along with clinical and hematological profile of nutritional anemia amongst children admitted to the Department of pediatrics in the age group of 6 months to 18 years at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Telangana, from January 1st 2020 to June 30th 2021. All the children who had satisfied the inclusion criteria after taking consent from their parents were included in the study. Result: The incidence of nutritional anemia in the present study was found to be 52.08%, with both males and females equally affected. The age group of 6–12 years was particularly impacted, accounting for 49.3% of the cases. A significant 94% of the cases were associated with inadequate protein intake as per ICMR guidelines. Children from socio-economic classes 2 and 3, as per the Kuppuswamy scale, were more frequently affected. Severe anemia was observed in 8.7% of the cases. Peripheral smear analysis revealed microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells in 64.4% of the cases, with 94% of the children showing decreased serum iron levels. Conclusion: Nutritional anemia is the major cause of anemia in hospitalised children affecting majorly children in the age group of 6-12 years. Inadequate protein intake is the major contributor accounting to 94%, which can be prevented with proper dietary measures

The roles of growing up milk on growth and anemia prevention in children under 5 years of age

Background: Adequate nutrition during the early years of life is necessary for good growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. The first 1000 days of life are a critical time for nutrition. Aims: This literature review aimed to evaluate the role of growing up milk on growth, stunting, and anemia prevention of under-five children. Methodology: This study used a literature review approach, searching three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria in this literature review were 1) randomized clinical trials, systematic review, and meta-analysis, 2) studies conducted over the last 10 years, 3) available in full text, 4) written in Indonesian or English, and 5) Research studies conducted in humans. Result: We identified 3 publications, that matched the inclusion criteria and research aims, including 2 original articles from Lovell AL, et al and Cervo MCM, et al, and 1 meta-analysis by Brooker PG et al. Fortified milk (GUM) consumption significantly had a positive impact on nutritional status, especially growth and hemoglobin status (anemia). Conclusion: Fortified milk (GUM) consumption is a solution to macro-micronutrient adequacy in under five children. More efforts are needed to conduct studies in Indonesia on GUM and address specific nutrients that may promote linear growth, reverse stunting and anemia in children.

Circulating immune complexes and G6PD deficiency predict readmissions for blackwater fever and severe anemia in children with severe malaria in Eastern Uganda.

Recently, there has been an unexplained increase in the incidence of blackwater fever (BWF) in Eastern Uganda. In this study, we evaluate the association between immune complexes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and the occurrence and recurrence of BWF in children with severe malaria (SM). Between 2014 and 2017, children aged six months to <4 years hospitalized with SM and community children (CC) were recruited at two hospitals in Central and Eastern Uganda. We measured serum circulating immune complexes (cIC) and their relationship to SM complications and post-discharge outcomes and evaluated effect mediation through G6PD deficiency. 557 children with SM and 101 CC were enrolled. The mean age of children was 2.1 years. Children with SM had higher cIC levels than CC, p<0.001. After controlling for age, sex, and site, cIC were associated with severe anemia, jaundice, and BWF (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 7.33 (3.45, 15.58), p<0.0001; 4.31 (1.68, 11.08), p=0.002; and 5.21 (2.06, 13.18), p<0.0001), respectively. cIC predicted readmissions for SM, severe anemia, and BWF (adjusted incidence rate ratios (95% confidence interval): 2.11 (1.33, 3.34), p=0.001; 8.62 (2.80, 26.59), p<0.0001; and 7.66 (2.62, 22.45), p<0.0001), respectively. The relationship was most evident in males where the frequency of the G6PD African allele (A-) was 16.8%. G6PD deficiency was associated with increases in cIC in males (p=0.01) and mediation analysis suggested G6PD deficiency contributes to recurrent severe anemia and BWF via increased cIC. Immune complexes are associated with hemolytic complications and predict recurrences in SM survivors.

Iron deficiency without anemia in children with newly diagnosed celiac disease: 1-year follow-up of ferritin levels, with and without iron supplementation.

Most children with newly diagnosed celiac disease and iron deficiency, who adhere to GFD, will normalize ferritin levels within 12 months without the need of iron supplementation. • Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are common in newly diagnosed celiac disease. • Improved iron absorption may follow mucosal healing processin patients adhering to a strict gluten-free diet. • This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the effect of iron supplementation versus no treatment on ferritin levels in children with newly diagnosed celiac disease with iron deficiency adhering to a gluten-free diet. • Most children with newly diagnosed celiac disease and iron deficiency, who adhere to gluten-free diet, will normalize ferritin levels within 12 months without the need of iron supplementation.

Profile of anemia in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Background: Anemia is one of the commonest extra-articular manifestations or complications associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and is generally seen to corelate with disease-duration and disease-activity. Aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of anemia, its etiological spectrum and severity in children suffering from JIA, to determine its correlation with disease-activity and disease-duration and assess the change in the status of anemia after initiating cause- specific treatment in addition to disease-specific treatment in a follow-up period of 3 months. Methods: This prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from July to December 2022. Patients of JIA were recruited through purposive sampling stratified by disease activity based on juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS) 27 score and anemia categorized by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: A total of 64 children were included in the final analysis. Mean age of patients was 8.19 years (SD 2.34 years), male: female ratio being 1.2:1. 78.12% were anemic, with 59.37% being moderately anemic. Overall, anemia-of-chronic-disease (ACD) was the most (48%) prevalent type of anemia, followed by iron-deficiency-anemia (IDA) at 28%, followed by a combination of both IDA and ACD (12%). Remaining 12% was attributed to other causes of anemia. Mean-hemoglobin at 1st visit was found to decrease with increase in disease duration. Significant moderate linear negative correlation was found (r=-0.54) (p&lt;0.001) between mean-hemoglobin-at-1st-visit and mean-disease-activity-at-1st-visit. Significant rise in hemoglobin level after initiation of cause-specific treatment with disease-specific treatment was also observed in this study. Conclusions: Anemia associated with pediatric rheumatological conditions has significant negative impact on the disease process. Prompt diagnosis of anemia, denoting its type and severity, and thereby treating anemia alongside disease-specific treatment, significantly improves the patient outcome.

Role of Low Amount of Iron Intake from Groundwater for Prevention of Anemia in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, groundwater, the principal source of drinking water, contains predominantly high levels of iron. Drinking groundwater is associated with good iron status in populations. Against this backdrop, iron supplementation is often associated with side effects, which reduces its intake compliance. However, the level of iron in groundwater is not consistent, and low levels exist in many areas of the country. In the present study, we examined the role of groundwater with a low concentration of iron in the prevention of anemia in Bangladeshi children. In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh among children aged 2-5 years (n = 122) who drank groundwater containing a low level of iron (0-<2 mg/L). The combined intake of iron was calculated from the key sources-diet, groundwater, and the simulated intake of MNPs. The intakes of iron were compared against the standard reference intake. The children's hemoglobin levels were measured using a photometer. The combined intake of iron from diet, groundwater with low levels of iron, and the simulated consumption of low-iron MNP in children was 5.8 ± 2.0 and 6.9 ± 2.5 mg/day, comprising 193% and 169% of the Estimated Average Requirements in the 2-3-year-old and 4-5-year-old subgroups, respectively. The combined intake of bioavailable iron from dietary and low-iron groundwater was 0.42 ± 0.023 and 0.22 ± 0.019 mg/day in children exposed to groundwater concentrations of 0.8-<2.0 mg/L and 0.0-<0.8 mg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean concentration of hemoglobin in the respective groups was 12.17 ± 0.94 g/dL and 11.91 ± 0.91 g/dL (p = 0.30). The combined intake of iron from diet and the low-iron groundwater was associated with maintenance of hemoglobin concentration at the non-anemic level in > 90% of the children. The findings highlight the protective influence of the low concentration of iron in the drinking groundwater against childhood anemia in Bangladesh.

Association between vitamin A supplementation and stunting and anemia in socially vulnerable Brazilian children.

Vitamin A is related to concentrations of insulin-like growth factor type 1, a protein produced in response to growth hormone, and to increased mobilization of body iron stores. Thus, vitamin A aids in increased hematopoiesis and may be useful in preventing stunting and anemia. This study aimed to identify the association between vitamin A supplementation from the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program instituted in Brazil and stunting and anemia in socially vulnerable Brazilian children. This is a Cross-sectional population-based study. Children aged 6-59months old, living in favelas of a capital city in the Northeast of Brazil, were included. Sociodemographic variables were collected. Vitamin A supplementation was also evaluated using the child's vaccination card information. Anthropometric and capillary hemoglobin evaluations were performed to identify the presence of stunting and anemia, respectively. The association analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. 598 children participated in this study; 11.3% and 55.6% had stunting and anemia, respectively. As for vitamin A supplementation, 59.5% had taken at least one dose of the supplement,and 3.5% were on the complete supplementation scheme. In the adjusted association analysis, vitamin A supplementation decreased the likelihood of children having stunting and anemia by 8% (RP:0.86; 95% IC 0.86-0.98; p = 0.014) and 31% (RP:0.69; 95% IC 0.53-0.89; p = 0.004), respectively. Children who were fully supplemented were 58% (RP:0.42; 95% IC 0.24-0.77; p = 0.008) less likely to have anemia. Thus, vitamin A supplementation is a protective tool against stunting and anemia in children living in a situation of social vulnerability.

Infrastructure's role in enhancing child well-being across sub-Saharan Africa

Even though several studies link access to infrastructure and wellbeing, very few clearly examine the impact of this relationship on children. so, does enhanced access to infrastructures improve child well-being? Thus, the study examines the contribution of access to infrastructure on children's well-being. It uses the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) on 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2020.. Results of the study show that access to education, healthcare, electricity and sanitation helps reduce child mortality and anemia. Thus, authorities in developing countries should Improve the construction and development of these infrastructures. Furthermore, public policies should ensure that infrastructures are accessible to all children, including those with special needs or living in rural or disadvantaged areas.

Abnormal erythrocyte-related parameters in children with Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn exposure.

The link between exposure to a particular heavy metal or metalloid and the development of anemia is well established. However, the association between combined exposure to multiple heavy metal(loid)s and anemia in children is still lacking in evidence. In this study, a total of 266 children aged3 to7 were recruited from Guiyu, China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure bloodheavy metal(loid)concentrations. Blood cell count, hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit (HCT), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were measured by an automated hematology analyzer. Erythrocyte-related parameters were negatively correlated with the Cu and Cu/Zn ratios and positively correlated with Cr, Ni, Zn, and Se by Spearman correlation analysis. Only blood Cu level was negatively correlated with HGB [β = -2.74, (95% Cl: -4.49, -0.995)], MCH [β = -0.505, (95% Cl: -0.785, -0.226)], MCV [β = -1.024, (95% Cl: -1.767, -0.281)], and MCHC [β = -2.137, (95% Cl: -3.54, -0.734)] by multiple linear regression analysis. TheBayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) model analysis indicated a negative correlation between the combined exposure to Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr and MCH and MCV. The single-factor analysis showed a considerable statistical difference only with Cu on MCV, MCH, and HGB. Furthermore, the interaction analysis highlighted the interdependent effects of Cu and Zn, Pb and Zn, and Cr and Zn on MCH and MCV levels. Additionally, the oxidation and/or antioxidation reactions may play a significant role in the development of metal(loid)-induced anemia risk. It is crucial to investigate the effects of co-exposure to multiple heavymetal(loid)elements on anemia, especially the interrelationships and mechanisms among them.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children

Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is an uncommon cause of antibody-induced hemolytic anemia in children. It is divided into three categories: warm AIHA, cold antibody AIHA and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The diagnostic work-up typically begins with a peripheral smear and a direct antiglobulin test. Further diagnostic approaches and pathogenesis of all three entities are discussed. Clinical trials are lacking for AIHA in children. First-line therapy for warm AIHA is corticosteroids and for cold antibody AIHA is rituximab. Data on other therapeutic agents is reviewed. Supportive care is an important aspect, particularly in cold AIHA and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Issues related to blood transfusion due to antibodies including the least incompatible blood are discussed. Tables and figures provide an overview of pathology, diagnosis and diagnostic algorithm.

Prevalence and severity of anaemia among the Temiar sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia.

Anaemia remains a primary concern of public health in developing countries. Indigenous populations are a significant and frequently underreported group at risk for anaemia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anaemia and identify its determinants in the Temiar sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli (OA) community in Peninsular Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 640 indigenous Temiar OA participants from a remote settlement in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews with a standardised pretested questionnaire and through blood samples collected for haemoglobin (Hb) testing. Anaemia status was determined using the Hb level cut-off established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the prevalence of anaemia, while multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with anaemia. The overall anaemia prevalence was 44.7% (286/640), and the prevalence rates of mild, moderate and severe anaemia were 42.7, 50.7 and 6.6%, respectively. Anaemia-specific prevalence varied significantly by age group (p < 0.001) and was highest in the ≤5 group for both moderate anaemia (43.4%) and severe (42.1%), followed by the 6-17 age group for mild anaemia (39.3%). The prevalence of anaemia was also highest among students (53.9%), with a significant difference observed between the three anaemia severity classifications (p = 0.002). In the multivariate logistic regression, only age groups of 6-17 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.38, p < 0.001), 18-40 (aOR 0.18, p < 0.001) and > 40 (aOR 0.25, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the lower odds of anaemia in the population. This study has highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia among indigenous OA in Peninsular Malaysia and revealed that younger children were positively associated with childhood anaemia. Effective interventions and special attention to this indigenous population need to be implemented to reduce the risk of anaemia.

Association between microcytic-hypochromic anemia and simple febrile seizure in children

Aims: This research aims to assess the impact of microcytic-hypochromic anemia on first febrile seizures in children, given its high incidence in developed countries like Indonesia. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in a regional general hospital setting. Methods and Material: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study including 50 patients aged 6 months to 5 years old over 14 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Controls were the age and sex-matched febrile children without accompanying seizures, and the case group admitted with a first simple febrile seizure. Both case and control groups were normal in growth. To provide 95% confidence and 80% power in statistical analysis, a sample size of 25 for each group was calculated. Data including age, gender, body temperature, seizure characteristics, family history of febrile seizure, and laboratory findings consisting of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were recorded. Anemia is defined as having hemoglobin level of less than 10.5 g/dl in children aged 6 months to 2 years old and less than 11.5 g/dl in 2 to 6-year-old patients.

Anemia incidence and influencing factors among children aged 0-6 years in Shannan city, Xizang Autonomous Region

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of anemia children aged 0-6 years in Shannan city, Xizang Autonomous Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to measure hemoglobin of 12 405 children aged 0-6 years in 12 counties (districts) of Shannan city, Xizang Autonomous Region and basic information including gender, age, ethnicity, address, local altitude, urban area, agricultural and pastoral areas, etc were collected. According to the altitude of the surveyed children's place of residence, anemia in children under the plain standard and the prevalence of anemia after adjusting for altitude were reported, and the influencing factors of anemia in these children were analyzed by Logistic regression methods. Results: Among the 12 405 children, 6 383 (51.46%) were males, 6 022 (48.54%) were females, 462 (3.72%) were newborns, 68 (0.55%) were 1 month old children, 153 (1.23%) were 4-<6 months old children, and 11 722 (94.49%) were 6 months to 6 years old children. The prevalence of anemia in children aged 0-6 years in Shannan city before altitude correction was 15.50%(1 923/12 405), and it was 57.84% (7 175/12 405) after altitude correction. The hemoglobin level in the children was (131±20) g/L. Univariate analysis showed that the anemia rate of males was higher than that of females (59.17% (3 777/6 383) vs.56.43% (3 398/6 022), P<0.05), the anemia rate of Tibetan children was higher than that of children of other ethnic groups (58.21% (6 992/12 011) vs.46.45% (183/394), P<0.05), the anemia rate of children in agricultural and pastoral areas was higher than that of urban children (58.75% (6 212/10 574) vs.(52.59% 963/1 831), P<0.05), and the anemia rate of children in higher-altitude areas was higher than that of children in high-altitude areas (67.98% (2 773/4 079) vs.52.87% (4 402/8 326), P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that girls (OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.83-0.96), children of other ethnic groups (OR=0.72, 95%CI 0.58-0.89), children aged 4-<6 months (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.24-0.67) and children aged 6 months to 6 years (OR=0.59, 95%CI 0.43-0.82) were protective factors, and children who lived in agricultural and pastoral areas (OR=1.15, 95%CI 1.04-1.28) and children living at altitudes higher than 4 000 m areas (OR=1.88, 95%CI 1.73-2.04) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of anemia. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in children aged 0-6 years in Shannan city was still relatively high. It might be affected by factors such as sex, ethnicity, age of the children, place of residence and altitude where the children lived.

A Study of the Prevalence of Anemia in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition at a Pediatric Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction In developing countries such as India, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) has been a cause for great concern in the pediatric population. SAM is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children less than 60 months of age and leaves them vulnerable to diseases due to a decrease in immunological response. Children with SAM are prone to infections, and due to nutritional deficiency, many have anemia whichmay be a direct or indirect cause of morbidity and mortality. They are affected by frequent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of two months, from December 1,2023, to January 31, 2024, in children with SAM aged less than 60 months. A detailed history and demographic profile were taken and recorded in a predesigned proforma. Anthropometric measurements of the study subjects were recorded, and lab investigations included complete blood picture, serum iron, serum ferritin, serum folate, and serum vitamin B12 levels. The prevalence and severity of anemia were determined by assessing the hemoglobin levels. The data collected was analyzed in Excel sheets (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States) and the results were depicted in the form of graphs. Results A total of 300 children were included in the study of which 22 children were aged less than six months and 278 children were in the age group of 6-60 months. The overall gender distribution was 124 (41.4%) males and 176 (58.6%) females. In the age group of <6 months, of the 22 children, six (27.27%) were females while 16 (72.72%) were male. In the age group of 6-60 months, of the 278 children, 170 (61%) were females while 108 (39%) were males. Of the total 300 children, 232 (77.3%) were found to be anemic, of which 54 (23.2%) had mild anemia, 162 (69.8%) had moderate anemia, and 16 (6.89%) had severe anemia. Low serum iron levels were detected in 134 (44.6%) with iron deficiency being more common in females; below-normal ferritin levels were seen in 153 (51%) cases. Folate levels were found to be deficient in 97 (32.3%) children while vitamin B12 levels were deficient in 186 (62%). Conclusion Anemia is a common occurrence in children with SAM. Prevention of anemia starts from the womb by improvement of maternal nutrition and iron, and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and further continuation of breastfeeding coupled with initiation of home-available complementary feeding from the age of six months onwards go a long way in maintaining healthy nutrition status inchildren in the vulnerable age group of less than 60 months. Healthcare professionals should utilize thewell-baby and well-child visits to educate the parents and primary caretakers regarding the feeding practicesto prevent, detect, and treatanemia, which will help reduce the morbidity and mortality in children with SAM.