Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Young Children, Requiring Hospital Admission. (22nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lundblad, Kristin; Rosenberg, Jonathan; Mangurten, Henry; Angst, Denise B.
• Is Part Of: Global pediatric health. Volume 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-22
• Subjects: iron deficiency -- anemia -- child nutrition disorders -- infant nutrition disorders -- milk -- recommended dietary intake; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1177/2333794X15623244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-794X

Abstract

Objective. This study evaluated patient characteristics, milk intake, and associated lab findings of children 6 months to 5 years old, admitted to a children's hospital with severe iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods. A chart review was conducted on patients admitted with microcytic anemia (hemoglobin concentration less than 7 g/dL), accompanied by a low serum ferritin and/or low serum iron level between January 2000 and December 2006. Results. A total of 18 children with severe IDA were evaluated. Many had parents with private insurance and jobs. Almost all children drank >24 ounces of milk daily. Hemoglobin on admission was 3.8 g/dL, and the mean of the patients' mean corpuscular volume was 52.8 fL. Median iron levels were 4 µg/dL. Conclusions. Severe IDA is still prevalent in children, yet physicians may not perform necessary testing. The devastating long-term effects of severe IDA should prompt clinicians to screen for severe IDA in children regardless of absent risk factors.