Iron deficiency anemia in children Custom Search This is the most common type of anemia between the ages of 6 months to 2 years though the incidence has come down in developed countries and other causes have to be considered. A rapidly growing baby requires enough iron to meet all the needs. Iron is an essential component of Hemoglobin which is present in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is necessary for carrying oxygen to all the cells of the body. Lack of iron leads to decreased hemoglobin content and hence anemia. A full term baby has enough iron reserve at birth for about 5 to 6 months. The concentration of iron in breast milk is low but it is better absorbed. Hence iron deficiency anemia is not common before six months. But in premature and low birth weight babies it can occur a little earlier and also be more severe. If Baby foods do not contain sufficient iron babies develop anemia. Clinical features: Mild iron deficiency can be asymptomatic and detected on routine investigation of blood. As anemia becomes more severe symptoms manifest. Common symptoms are irritability and poor appetite. Pallor is noticed in the conjunctiva and nail beds. If anemia is severe cardiac murmur can be heard due to increased blood flow as the heart has to pump more blood to meet the oxygen requirements. Older children may complain of fatigue. Laboratory tests: The hemoglobin level is decreased. The red blood cells appear smaller and look pale. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis (there are so many causes of anemia) the iron level in the blood and the iron binding capacity of the blood can be estimated to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment: Oral iron is very effective is treating iron deficiency anemia. Elemental iron in the dose of 3-6 mg per kg is given. The hemoglobin level starts increasing in about a week’s time. Treatment should be continued for at least 3 months to replenish iron stores in the body. The amount of elemental iron varies from one salt to the other. Hence a doctor should be consulted regarding the quantity of the medication to be given. It is necessary to give medicines to eradicate worms from the intestine to improve overall nutritional status where infestation is common. Iron deficiency anemia can be confused with other types of anemia especially thalassemia minor. In thalassemia serum iron level and iron binding capacity are normal. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirms the diagnosis of thalassemia. Iron should not be given when the child is suffering from thalassemia. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 2nd January 2010
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