Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia belongs to the category of deficiency anemias and is the most common anemia in infancy and childhood. It usually appears from the age of 6 months to 2-3 years of life and in adolescence.
In full-term children and premature infants, it does not develop before the 6th and 4th month respectively, provided that the mother’s iron stores are satisfactory and there are no pregnancy complications.
The most common factors contributing to the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia are:
- The reduced iron content of foods.
- The rapid growth rate of children
- Insufficient iron absorption
- Blood loss alone or in combination
In general, the percentage of iron absorbed from animal foods is greater than that from plant foods. The percentage of iron absorbed from human milk is greater than that from cow’s milk.
Breastfeeding prevents the occurrence of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency precedes anemia, which is the final expression of anemia.
Clinical picture – Laboratory findings
Symptoms depend on the severity of anemia.
In moderate anemia, pallor and anorexia are observed. In severe anemia, spleen enlargement, allotriophagia, irritability, hyperactivity, mental and behavioral disorders are observed. Also, low school performance and reduced ability to exercise may be observed.
In a laboratory test, the pediatrician will find a normal or reduced number of red blood cells, a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), and low MCV, MCH, MCHC values. The red blood cells show microcytosis and hypochromia. Low serum ferritin is also found.
Treatment
In confirmed iron deficiency anemia, the treating pediatrician administers iron preparations orally. In severe cases, hospitalization and treatment are recommended.
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