Related Experiment Videos
[Anemia in infancy: etiology and prevalence]
Maria Claret C M Hadler1, Yara Juliano, Dirce M Sigulem
1Nutrição, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP. clarethadler@uol.com.br
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 4, 2003
Summary
The prevalence of anemia in infants aged 6-12 months in Goiânia, Brazil was high at 60.9%. Iron deficiency anemia was the primary cause, with prevalence varying significantly based on diagnostic criteria used.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Anemia is a significant public health concern in infants globally.
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency in this age group.
- Understanding local prevalence and etiological factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of anemia, IDA, and iron deficiency in infants (6-12 months) attending a public health unit in Goiânia, Brazil.
- To analyze and correlate hematologic and biochemical variables in this population.
- To evaluate the impact of different diagnostic criteria on iron deficiency prevalence estimates.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study of 110 infants (6-12 months) in Goiânia, Brazil, found an anemia prevalence of 60.9%.
- Iron deficiency was identified as the primary etiology of anemia, with prevalence estimates ranging from 87% to 97.8% depending on the inclusion of red cell distribution width (RDW).
- Strong correlations were observed between hemoglobin and hematocrit (r=0.946), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (r=0.950).
Impact:
- This study highlights the high burden of anemia and iron deficiency in infants in Goiânia.
- Findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate diagnostic parameters for accurate IDA prevalence assessment.
- Results can inform public health strategies and nutritional programs aimed at preventing and managing anemia in Brazilian infants.