Prevalence Of Anemia Research Articles

Assessment of Malaria, Anemia and Nutrition status of school-going children in the rural area of Charsadda, Pakistan

Malaria, anemia, and malnutrition are global health challenges with significant morbidity and mortality, and higher rates among children particularly in Africa. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition among school-going children of Charsadda (a city of Khyber, Pakistan). A total of 400 children of aged 5-10 years were included in the study in 2023. Malaria infection was confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests. Hematocrit level was obtained using a centrifuge microhematocrit and converted to hemoglobin using standard conversion. Nutritional status was determined by the anthropometric measurements, and demographic characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Anemia and malnutrition were defined according to the World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between the predictor variables and primary outcomes. In current research work 400 children were selected for the assessment of malaria and nutritional status, malaria infection was found more frequent among the students 120(12%). In addition, high prevalence of anemia 105(10.5%), malnutrition 90(9%), and stunting 70(7%) was observed, while wasting 2(0.2%) and underweight 20(2%0 had very low frequency. Malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition were observed in12%, 10.5% and 9% of the children population, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the current health problems among the school-going children of district Charsadda the prevalence of malaria, anemia and malnutrition and their co-existence in children 5-10 years.

Assessing the factors influencing the severity of anemia in tribal women of Malkangiri, Odisha, India

Background: Anemia is a serious public health concern with a high prevalence in tribal communities' women in India. Despite several implementations to strengthen the maternal health and nutrition program, anemia persists. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate anemia prevalence and to examine the predictors of anemia among Koya and Matia tribal women in a district of Odisha, Malkangiri. Materials and Methods: For this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 519 tribal (Koya- 326) and (Matia- 193) women aged 15-49 years. A pre-tested schedule was used to collect data on different demographic variables, and a Hemoglobin (Hb) meter was used to estimate Hb level. Prevalence of anemia among tribal women was estimated and Chi-Square and Multinomial logistics regression were used to find the association. Results: The mean hemoglobin value in the overall sample (n=519) was 7.86±1.77. The results showed that 34.35% of Koya and 33.67% of Matia were severely anemic, while 56.13% of Koya and 55.43% of Matia were moderately anemic, and mild anemia was reported to be 3.68 in Koya and 4.14 in Matia's women. Early marriage, women's age at first childbirth, parity, were major factors influencing the severity of anemia. Conclusion: The high prevalence of anemia among both communities' tribal women necessitates immediate action through targeted interventions to enhance and ensure widespread coverage of anemia control programs, especially in tribal areas.

Impact of iron deficiency anemia on academic achievement among female university students in Saudi Arabia.

Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA), is a prevalent health issue globally and in Saudi Arabia, especially among young adult females. This study investigates the association between anemia and academic achievement among female students at the Female Health Campus of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included 118 randomly selected participants aged 18-22. A validated questionnaire was administered to the study participants. The participants underwent blood tests for complete blood count (CBC) parameters and iron profile analysis. The study reported that 52.5% of the female students had anemia and low serum iron levels. Regarding academic performance, significant positive correlations were found between various CBC parameters including white cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, and serum iron. However, no significant correlations were observed between red blood cell count and platelet count with academic performance. Demographic variables were also associated with a higher odds ratio of anemia. The study highlights the prevalence of anemia among female students and its potential impact on academic achievement. The current study underscores the importance of addressing anemia in young adult females and implementing appropriate interventions to improve their educational outcomes.

Hematological abnormalities in liver cirrhosis.

Hematological abnormalities are common in cirrhosis and are associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms. Studies have documented a prevalence of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia in patients with compensated cirrhosis of 77.9%, 23.5%, and 21.1%, respectively. These abnormalities carry significant clinical implications, including considerations for invasive procedures, infection risk, bleeding risk, and prognosis. Previously, cirrhosis was believed to predispose patients to bleeding due to alterations observed in classical coagulation tests such as prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and thrombocytopenia. However, this understanding has evolved, and cirrhosis patients are now also acknowledged as being at a high risk for thrombotic events. Hemostasis in cirrhosis patients presents a complex phenotype, with procoagulant and anticoagulant abnormalities offsetting each other. This multifactorial phenomenon is inadequately reflected by routine laboratory tests. Thrombotic complications are more prevalent in decompensated cirrhosis and may correlate with disease severity. Bleeding is primarily associated with portal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, mechanical vessel injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, endotoxemia, and renal injury. This review comprehensively outlines hematologic index abnormalities, mechanisms of hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis abnormalities, limitations of laboratory testing, and clinical manifestations of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in patients of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) admitted in Tertiary Care Centre

To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in patients of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) admitted in Tertiary Care Centre

Prevalence of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending ANC in Leku General Hospital, Sidama, Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>: Anemia is a global public health issue that affects people of all ages, although pregnant women and children under the age of five are the most vulnerable. During pregnancy, iron deficiency is associated with multiple adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants in developing countries. Nutritional anemia is also the most prevalent type of anemia in the world. This study's objective was to determine how common anemia was among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Leku General Hospital. <i>Method</i>: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 25-August 15, 2022, on 284 pregnant women attending in Leku General Hospital. Pretested questionnaires based on interviews were used to collect socio-demographic information and related data. Hemoglobin concentration was determined using Beckman Coulter DxH 800 analyzer and hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dl was classified as anemic. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictor's value for anemia. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. <i>Result</i>: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was found to be 21.7% (95% CI: 16.7%-26.8%). Women who live in rural areas were revealed to be factors affecting pregnant women's anemia (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.97-9.10). Approximately half of the anemic pregnant women surveyed were found to have moderate anemia (Hb 7- 9.9 g/dl) with 55% and 7% severely anemic. The most important clinically relevant finding was that (65%) of anemic pregnant women were found to have microcytic and hypochromic anemia which is the most common type in pregnancy that occurs mostly due to iron deficiency. <i>Conclusion</i>: Compared to the national pooled data, this study finds anemia has a moderate impact on local public health. The related factors should be considered for improving rural community-based anemia management for pregnant women.

The burden of pre-operative anaemia and postoperative outcomes in 15 166 surgical patients from a public hospital in Brazil: A retrospective cohort study.

Preoperative anaemia is associated with poor postoperative outcomes; however, few studies have reported its prevalence in developing countries and its association with significant postoperative outcomes. We aimed to identify the prevalence of anaemia and its association with postoperative outcomes in a major public hospital in Brazil. Retrospective cohort study. Single-centre, 860-bed, quaternary university-affiliated teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. We included adult patients who had undergone surgery between 2015 and 2019. Main outcome measures: The main outcome was the in-hospital 30-day postoperative mortality. According to the World Health Organisation, we defined anaemia and its sub-classification (mild, moderate, and severe). We developed Poisson regression models to examine the association between preoperative anaemia and outcomes. We included 15 166 patients, of whom 6387 (42.1%) were anaemic. After adjustment for confounding factors, patients with anaemia had an increased risk of in-hospital 30-day postoperative mortality (relative risk (RR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44 to 1.99, P < 0.001). Mild [relative risk (RR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.71, P = 0.003], moderate (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.10, P < 0.001), and severe anaemia (RR 2.43, 95% CI 1.92 to 3.07, P < 0.001) were associated with the primary outcome. Anaemia increased the transfusion risk (RR 4.44, 95% CI 3.90 to 5.06, P < 0.001) and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.16, P = 0.001). Four out of 10 patients had anaemia. These patients had an increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. Comprehension of the magnitude and impact of anaemia is essential to establish interventions in low-resource scenarios to optimise the patient's journey. Institutional Review Board Registration number 40522820000005327 (Brazilian CEP/CONEP System, available in https://plataformabrasil.saude.gov.br/).

Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr) on Hemoglobin Level among Pregnant Women in Third Trimester

Background: In 2018, 41,8% of amternal mortality in developing countries was caused by anemia in pregnancy, the prevalence of anemia in Indonesia is still very high at 44,2%. One of the causes of anemia is a lack of iron in the body. Anemia can be prevented by consuming foods that contain iron and vitamin C to help the absorbtion process, by consuming katuk leaves while continuing to consume Fe Tablets according to government recommendations.Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus) and Fe Tablets on hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in third trimester.Methods: This research is aquassy experiment pre and post test with control group design. The population in this study was 86 third trimester pregnant women which 45 had anemia in last 6 month at Private Midwifery Practice N. The sample were divided by intervention group and cotrol group, each group was 15 pregnant women, according to sample theory of experimental research. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The research instrument used observation sheets and Digital Hemoglobinometer. The data analyzed with parametric test, the t-test.Results: The result of statistic tests showed that there was an effect of katuk leaves and Fe tablets on hemoglobin level with p value of 0,00 (0,005).Conclusion: Consumption katuk leaves and Fe tablet is more effective in changing hemoglobin levels compared to consuming Fe tablets only.

A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review Study Estimating the Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Infants, Toddlers, and Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder affecting children worldwide, leading to potential long-term cognitive and developmental deficits. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, and explore the relationship between IDA and various demographic factors, including age, gender, and nationality. Methodology A retrospective chart review was conducted from July 2023 to August 2023 at Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included 498 children aged 0.58 to 17 years, selected through a cluster sampling technique. Data on demographic characteristics and laboratory results, including hemoglobin (Hb) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), ferritin, and RBC, were collected. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed based on Hb levels and other hematological indices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results The prevalence of IDA among the study population was 9.2%, with 72.3% of the cases classified as mild and 27.7% as moderate. No cases of severe anemia were found. Infants had the highest prevalence of IDA (16.9%), followed by toddlers (12.0%), preschool children (7.2%), and school-age children (0.8%). Gender analysis revealed a prevalence of 9.7% in males and 8.6% in females, with no significant difference between genders (p = 0.659). All non-Saudi participants were free of IDA, whereas 9.3% of Saudi participants had IDA, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.761). Conclusion The study found a relatively low prevalence of IDA among healthy children attending Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Group in Riyadh, SAU, with the highest prevalence observed among infants. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent IDA, particularly in younger children. Routine screening and early treatment are crucial to mitigate the potential long-term effects of IDA on child development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing IDA prevalence.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Military Recruits Undergoing Basic Combat Training

ABSTRACT Introduction The first period of military service consists of a physically and mentally challenging basic combat training (BCT) program. Factors like demanding physical exercise, limited recovery time, and restricted diet choice and food intake may challenge iron intake and homeostasis in recruits undergoing BCT. Iron-deficient individuals may experience reduced work capacity, fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, and increased injury risk. Limited knowledge is available on the extent of this potential health risk among military recruits. The aim of the present study was to systematically review published studies on the prevalence and change in prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and ID anemia (IDA) among recruits undergoing BCT. Materials and Methods Electronic searches were conducted in the databases Medline (Ovid), Embase (Embase.com), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) from database inception up until April 16, 2024. Inclusion criteria were observational studies with both cross-sectional and observational longitudinal designs that examined the effects of BCT (intervention) on iron status (outcome) in military recruits (population). Extracted data were the number of participants (n), age, sex, country/population, BCT duration, and relevant measures of prevalence and changes in prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA (primary outcome) and physical performance, mood state, stress fractures, attrition rate, and nutritional supplements (secondary outcomes). The study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data and The National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After (Pre-Post) Studies With No Control Group. Meta-analyses were performed using restricted maximum-likelihood models, and the effect size was calculated as Cohen’s h with 95% CI. Results Twenty-two articles were systematically reviewed (n = 111,764 men and 12,650 women), and six of these papers (n = 388 men and 773 women) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a varying prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among military recruits at the start of BCT. Results from meta-analyses showed negligible and nonsignificant effects of BCT on the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA. The quality of the included cross-sectional studies ranging from fair to good, whereas a large proportion of the included longitudinal studies were classified as poor. No sign of publication bias was found. Conclusions The prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA in military recruits seems not to be affected by the completion of BCT shorter than 16 weeks, whereas the effects of longer BCT durations remain unclear. Even though body iron homeostasis seems unaffected, adequate energy and nutritional intake should remain a priority. Future research could focus on dietary interventions to determine the optimal diet among female recruits in specifically exposed populations.

Temporary clamping of the uterine arteries versus coventional technique for the prevention of postpartum hemorrage during cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial study

BackgroundCesarean sections are the most common abdominal surgical interventions worldwide, with increasing rates in both developed and developing countries. Postpartum (hemorrhage PPH) during cesarean sections can lead to maternal morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. Although various non-surgical measures have been recommended for PPH prevention, surgical techniques such as uterine artery ligation and embolization have been used to manage PPH effectively.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical technique based on the temporary bilateral clamping of uterine arteries to reduce blood loss during cesarean sections.MethodsA longitudinal prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted with a preliminary population group of 180 patients at the University Hospital Regional de Málaga from November 2023 to January 2024. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Regional University Hospital of Malaga (protocol 1729-N-23 and registred with ISRCTN15307819|| http://www.isrctn.org/, Date submitted 12 June 2023 ISRCTN 15307819). The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the clamping technique was applied during their cesarean sections. The study assessed hemoglobin levels before and after surgery, hospitalization durations, and the prevalence of anemia at discharge as the primary outcomes.ResultsThe patients who underwent the clamping technique demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin differences (0.80 g/dL) compared to the control group (1.42 g/dL). The technique also resulted in shorter hospital stays (3.02 days vs. 3.90 days) and a lower prevalence of anemia at discharge (76.2% vs. 60%).ConclusionTemporary clamping of uterine arteries during cesarean sections appears to be an effective measure for preventing postpartum hemorrhaging, reducing hospital stays, and decreasing the prevalence of anemia at discharge. Further research with larger sample sizes and standardized indications is warranted to confirm the benefits and potential broader applications of this technique.Trial registrationISRCTN 15,307,819.

Anemia and Erythropoietin Use Among Hemodialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at Rumah Sakit Umum Siloam

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 8-16% of the population and is increasing in prevalence. Anemia, a common and significant complication of CKD, is primarily caused by reduced erythropoietin production, which is essential for red blood cell production. Erythropoietin, a kidney-produced hormone, stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This study examines trends in the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and the management of anemia in dialysis CKD patients before and after the implementation of ESA reimbursemen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This cohort study was conducted at Rumah Sakit Umum Siloam, Tangerang, Indonesia, from February to July 2017. Patients who received blood transfusions or iron supplements during the study were excluded. Data collected included age, gender, dry weight, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hemodialysis adequacy, and nutritional status. Statistical analysis with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between hemoglobin levels (Hb) and erythropoietin use.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Sixty patients completed the study. The proportion of anemic patients (Hb &amp;lt;10 g/dL) increased from 22 (36.7%) to 28 (46.7%) after erythropoietin administration. A mean dose of 6000 IU/week (CI: 4679 to 7321 IU/week) was effective in achieving target hemoglobin levels, while a dose of 4131 IU/week (CI: 3479 to 4782 IU/week) was sufficient to maintain them. Additionally, a dosage of 103.31 IU/kg/week increased hemoglobin by 1 g/dL in anemic patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Erythropoietin use should be optimized given the increasing prevalence of anemia. A dosage of 103.31 IU/kg/week is recommended to achieve target hemoglobin levels, while 4131 IU/week is suggested for maintaining hemoglobin within the target range. &lt;/p&gt;

The Impact of Health Behaviors on Iron Supplementation Adherence and Anemia Prevalence among Pregnant Women: Evidence from a Primary Care Setting in Aceh Tengah, Indonesia

Anemia during pregnancy remains a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. However, adherence to iron supplementation programs is often suboptimal, leading to persistent anemia and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health behaviors (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) and adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in a primary care setting in Aceh Tengah, Indonesia. Additionally, we explored the impact of these factors on anemia prevalence. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pegasing Community Health Center in Aceh Tengah, Indonesia. Pregnant women diagnosed with anemia were recruited, and data were collected using questionnaires assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding iron supplementation. Hemoglobin levels were measured to determine anemia status. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationships between health behaviors, adherence, and anemia prevalence. A total of 59 pregnant women with anemia participated in the study. Adherence to iron supplementation was suboptimal, with 59.3% reporting poor adherence. Knowledge about iron supplementation was generally good (76.3%), but attitudes and practices were less favorable (30.5% and 27.1%, respectively). Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between attitudes and practices related to iron supplementation and adherence. Furthermore, poor adherence was linked to a higher prevalence of anemia. In conclusion, healthy behaviors, particularly attitudes and practices, play a crucial role in iron supplementation adherence among pregnant women in Aceh Tengah, Indonesia. Interventions targeting these behaviors are essential to improve adherence and reduce the burden of anemia in this population.

Iron Deficiency Anemia and Migraine: A Literature Review of the Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Potential.

This literature review explores the association between iron deficiency anemia and migraines, examining their prevalence, underlying pathophysiology, and therapeutic potential of iron supplementation in managing migraine symptoms. A systematic search across major academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Science.gov, identified relevant peer-reviewed studies that focus on the link between iron deficiency anemia and migraines. The review highlights a higher prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among migraine sufferers, particularly women, with several studies indicating a significant inverse relationship between serum ferritin levels and migraine severity. The findings suggest that low iron levels may exacerbate migraine symptoms, and iron supplementation has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, especially in patients with confirmed iron deficiency anemia. The review also discusses the unique susceptibility of women, particularly those of reproductive age, to both iron deficiency anemia and migraines, emphasizing the importance of gender-specific approaches in treatment. Moreover, the potential impact of iron deficiency on neurovascular function and its contribution to migraine pathogenesis is explored, reinforcing the need for comprehensive management strategies that include nutritional interventions. While iron supplementation appears to be a promising therapeutic option, further research is required to fully understand its long-term effects and to refine treatment protocols to avoid the risks associated with iron overload. This review underscores the significance of addressing nutritional deficiencies as part of a holistic approach to migraine management, offering insights into potential avenues for improving patient outcomes.

EXPRESS: Association Between Magnesium Depletion Score and Anemia in Older Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Some studies have indicated an association between serum magnesium and anemia, but these are primarily limited to research on serum magnesium. Few studies have explored the relationship between the bioavailability of magnesium and anemia. This study explores the association between the Magnesium Deficiency Score (MDS) and anemia among elderly Americans using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018. Anemia was defined based on World Health Organization criteria, and MDS was calculated considering factors such as the use of diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, alcohol consumption, and renal function status. A total of 3383 individuals were included in our study. Results showed a positive correlation between MDS and anemia, with higher MDS levels associated with increased anemia prevalence. Subgroup analyses revealed that this association was consistent across different genders, PIR, and smoking populations, with a notably strong correlation in the non-Hispanic White group. The study suggests that improving the bioavailability of magnesium to reduce MDS may be a factor in preventing anemia in the elderly. This is the first study to explore the relationship between MDS and anemia in this population, highlighting the potential role of magnesium bioavailability in anemia prevention. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Prevalence of Anemia and its associated factors among 6–59 months age children visiting public hospitals at Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnemia is a significant global public health issue among children aged 6 to 59 months, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Studies focusing on pastoral communities, especially in the Afar Region, often underestimate the prevalence of anemia in these children. To address this information gap, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in public hospitals in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia.MethodA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6 to 59 months, using systematic random sampling, at public hospitals in the Afar Region from February 28 to April 30, 2023.The data collection tool was adapted from the Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey and the World Health Organization Infant and Young Child Feeding guidelines. Data entry was performed using EpiData version 4.2 and Anthroplus software for anthropometric measurements. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of anemia, with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultAmong the 306 children aged 6 to 59 months, the overall prevalence of anemia was 46.41 (95 CI: 43.8–48.9 ). Of the 142 anemic children aged 6 to 59 months, 62 (43.66 ) had mild anemia, 60 (42.25 ) had moderate anemia, and 20 (14.08 ) had severe anemia. Key factors associated with anemia included mothers with no formal education, the lowest family monthly income, a family size greater than five, and rural residence. Additionally, a previous diagnosis of parasitic infection, children aged 24–35 months, early weaning, a malaria diagnosis within the past three months, and diarrhea in the last two weeks were significant predictors of anemia in children aged 6 to 59 months.ConclusionIn the current study, anemia in children aged 6 to 59 months was classified as severe and is regarded as a critical public health issue. This suggests that more efforts should be made to significantly decrease anemia by actively involving rural mothers with no formal education and low income who have children aged 6–59 months, focusing on the prevention and management of malaria, diarrhea, and parasitic infections.

Comparing approaches for chemoprevention for school-based malaria control in Malawi: an open label, randomized, controlled clinical trial

School-age children in sub-Saharan Africa suffer an underappreciated burden of malaria which threatens their health and education. To address this problem, we compared the efficacy of two school-based chemoprevention approaches: giving all students intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) or screening and treating only students with detected infections (IST). In a three-arm, open-label, randomized, controlled trial (NCT05244954) in Malawi, 746 primary school students, aged 5-19 years, were individually randomized within each grade-level to IPT (n=249), IST with a high-sensitivity rapid diagnostic test (hs-RDT, n=248), or control (n=249). At six-week intervals three times within the peak malaria transmission season (February-June 2022) treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was administered to girls <10 years and all boys, and chloroquine to older girls. The primary outcome was Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection detected by PCR 6-8 weeks after the final intervention. Secondary outcomes included anaemia, clinical malaria, and scores on tests of attention, literacy, and math. Analysis was by modified intention-to-treat. Outcomes analyses included 727 (97%) participants. At the end of the study, prevalence of Pf infection was 17% (41/243) in the IPT arm, 24% (58/244) in the IST arm, and 53% (127/240) in the control arm. Compared to controls, IPT and IST reduced the odds of Pf infection (IPT adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.18 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.27); p<0.0001; IST aOR: 0.27 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.40); p<0.0001). However, only participants receiving IPT had a lower incidence of clinical malaria (0.19 cases per person per six months (95% CI: 0.14, 0.27) vs 0.56 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.68); incidence rate ratio: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.55); p<0.0001)) and prevalence of anaemia (8% [20/243] vs 15% [36/240]; aOR: 0.49 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.91); p=0.023) compared to controls. Literacy scores were higher in both intervention arms. No between group differences in tests of attention or math or number of serious adverse events were found. Results support implementation of IST with hs-RDTs or IPT for reduction in the prevalence of infection. Based on reductions in clinical malaria, IPT may provide additional benefits warranting further consideration by school-based malaria chemoprevention programs. Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Clinical Scientist Development Award 2021191, U.S. NIH K24AI114996 & K23AI135076.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment Outcomes of Anemia in Vietnamese School-Age Children With Helicobacter pylori Infection.

Background A growing number of studies suggest that anemia caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent in developing countries. A combination of H. pylori eradication and iron supplementation may be effective intreating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) caused by H. pylori infection. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of anemia in Vietnamese school-age children infected with H. pylori Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to April 2024 involving 112 dyspeptic children from 5 to 16 years old who were admitted to Can Tho Children's Hospital, Vietnam. H. pylori infection was diagnosed with a positive histopathology combined with a rapid urease test. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent variables associated with anemia in H. pylori-infected children. Results The prevalence of anemia and IDA (iron deficiency anemia) amongH . pylori-infected children were 28.6% and 53.1%, respectively. The risk factor for anemia was age group from 11 to 16 years of age (OR: 3.24; CI 95%:1.21- 8.70). Iron supplementation (OR: 0.14; CI 95%:0.03 - 0.66) and periodic deworming (OR: 0.29; CI 95%: 0.10-0.89) were protective factors against anemia. After H. pyroli eradication and iron supplementation, all hematological parameters were increased among 32 anemic patients. Hemoglobin increased from 9.9 ±2.1 to 11.9±2.1 g/dL (p<0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased from 25.1 ± 4.1 to 28.0 ± 3.3 pg (P=0.003), and ferritin (IQR) increased from 16.7 (9.5-45.2) to 27.0 (15.1-47.0) µg/L (p<0.001). Conclusion Anemia in Vietnamese school-age children infected with H. pylori is prevalent. Taking iron supplements and periodic deworming reduces the risk of anemia. H. pylori eradication therapy plus oral iron supplementation will improve iron status in H. pylori-infected children.

Pregnancy Related Medication Prescription Patterns

Introduction: Drug use during pregnancy presents significant challenges due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with potential adverse effects on the fetus. The USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) categorizes drugs from A to X based on their safety in pregnancy, guiding appropriate drug use. Hence, this research aimed to assess rationality in prescription pattern and to identify commonly prescribed medications in pregnant women. Methodology: A pilot prospective observational study was conducted for three months at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad. Women of any gestational age willing to participate voluntarily were included in study while non-pregnancy cases and cases with incomplete data were excluded. Data collection focused on demographics, medical history, and prescribed medications. Prescription pattern was analyzed using WHO (World Health Organization) core prescribing indicators and USFDA pregnancy drug-risk categories. Results: Study highlighted the prevalence of anemia in 50% of pregnant women making it a possible factor for complications like premature birth and low birth weight if untreated. Majority of prescribed medications belong to Category B. Among 70 prescriptions, average number of drugs per prescription was 5.857 which was excess. Supplemental drug use accounted for 40.97% of the 410 prescription drugs, 168 drugs, and 242 drugs (59.024%) of the non-supplemental drugs prescribed. Conclusion: Study emphasizes importance of supplemental drug use which was found to be deficient in the prescriptions. It is necessary for the well-being of mother and growth of fetus. Findings provide healthcare professionals with insights into current prescribing practices, aiming to enhance rational drug use in pregnancy. Keywords: Pregnancy; USFDA drug risk category; prescription pattern.

Insights on prevalence and incidence of anemia and rapid up-titration of oral heart failure treatment from the STRONG-HF study.

Anemia is one of the most frequent comorbidities in patients with heart failure (HF), which potentially can interfere with the effect of guideline-recommended HF medical therapy and can be associated with the use of neurohormonal blockers. The aim of this analysis was to determine the prevalence and changes of anemia status in the STRONG-HF study, its association with clinical endpoints, and possible interaction of the presence of anemia with the efficacy and safety of high-intensity HF treatment. The design and main results of the study have been previously described. Patients were randomized within 2days prior to anticipated hospital discharge after HF worsening in a 1:1 fashion to either high-intensity care (HIC) or usual care (UC). Baseline characteristics, clinical and safety outcomes, and treatment effect of HIC vs. UC on the primary and secondary outcomes were compared in groups based on baseline anemia. In addition, dynamics of hemoglobin during the study follow-up and predictors of incident anemia at 90days were investigated. The proportion of anemia in 1077 STRONG-HF patients at enrollment was 27.2%, while at 90days, it changed to 32.1%. The primary composite outcome occurred in 18.2% of patients without baseline anemia, and 22.5% of patients with baseline anemia (unadjusted HR 1.27; 95% CI 0.90-1.80), a difference that did not reach statistical significance. However, patients with baseline anemia had significantly less improvement of EQ-VAS questionnaire values from baseline to day 90 (adjusted LS-Mean difference -2.34 (-4.37, -0.31), P = 0.02). During the study, anemia developed in 19.4 and 14.6% in HIC and UC groups, respectively. The opposite phenomenon-recovery of anemia-occurred in 27.6 and 28.8% in HIC and UC groups (P = 0.1379). The predictors of incident anemia at 90days were male sex, geographical region other than Europe, ischemic etiology, higher glucose, and elevated uric acid at baseline. The percentages of optimal doses of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were not different between anemic and non-anemic patients. High-intensity care strategy did not increase rate of incident anemia at 90days and reduced the rate of primary and secondary endpoints regardless of baseline hemoglobin. Hemoglobin level and status of anemia have a dynamic nature in the acute HF patients in the post-discharge period dependent on multiple factors. High-intensity HF treatment is safe and beneficial regardless of baseline hemoglobin level and presence of anemia. The improvement of quality of life is significantly lower in anemic HF patients implying specific attention to correction of this condition.