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Iron deficiency anaemia in Nigerian infants
F M Akinkugbe1, S I Ette, T A Durowoju
1Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Insights
Iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent in infants, with many showing low haemoglobin and packed cell volume. Routine iron supplementation and antimalarials are suggested for infants aged 9-15 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a significant global health concern in infants.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term developmental consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia in infants attending a routine immunization clinic.
- To evaluate hematological parameters and iron status indicators in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 50 infants at the Institute of Child Health, Ibadan.
- Analysis of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (Fe), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).
Main Results:
- High prevalence of low PCV (40%) and Hb (48%) below recommended levels.
- Significant proportion of infants (37%) had low serum iron and 52% had Transferrin Saturation Index (TSI) below 10%.
- Co-occurrence of low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and low TSI was linked to severe anaemia in 18% of infants.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a very high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in infants in this setting.
- Routine screening at 9 months and treatment are recommended.
- Cost-effective alternative: routine iron and weekly antimalarial prophylaxis for infants aged 9-15 months may be preferable to screening.
Abstract:
Hematological parameters and the iron status of 50 randomly selected infants who were attending the research infant welfare clinic of the Institute of Child Health, Ibadan (ICHI), for routine immunization were studied. Investigations included estimations of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (Fe), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) and total iron-binding Capacity (TIBC). Forty percent of the infants had PCVs below 0.32, 48% had Hbs below 10 g/dl and 27% had mean corpuscular volume (MVC) less that 70fl. Thirty-seven percent of the children had serum Fe below 3.58 mmol/l, but only 4% had UIBC above 320 mmol/l. Fifty-two percent had Transferin Saturation Index (TSI) below 10%. Eighteen percent had MCV below 70fl associated with TSI below 10% and 67% of these had Hbs below 10 g/dl. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in infants as shown in this study is very high. The ill effects of iron deficiency in childhood have been well documented. It is suggested that screening for anaemia should be offered at 9 months as part of a Child Survival Programme and that infants found to be anaemic should be treated. However, for cost-effectiveness and taking into consideration the high prevalence rate of iron deficiency in this age group, it might be preferable to give iron and weekly prophylactic antimalarias routinely to infants aged 9 to 15 months in lieu of screening.