Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Frequency of hypoferritinemia, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in outpatients

Saadet Akarsu1, Mehmet Kilic, Erdal Yilmaz

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty of Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. aksaadet@yahoo.com

Acta Haematologica
|July 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency, including iron deficiency anemia, is common in children referred to outpatient clinics, especially in those under two years old. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Nutritional Deficiencies
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a prevalent global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Accurate assessment of iron status is critical for timely diagnosis and intervention in children.
  • Outpatient pediatric clinics serve as a key point for identifying potential iron-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of hypoferritinemia (IDec), iron deficiency (IDef), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children presenting to outpatient pediatric clinics.
  • To analyze the distribution of these conditions across different pediatric age groups.
  • To highlight the significance of serum iron concentration abnormalities in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 557 children referred to outpatient pediatric clinics.
  • Exclusion of patients with prior iron therapy or chronic illnesses; acute infections were re-sampled after treatment.
  • Categorization into four age groups (4 months–2 years, 2–6 years, 7–12 years, 12–18 years) and assessment of iron status indicators (ferritin, transferrin saturation, serum iron, hemoglobin).

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence rates were 26% for IDec, 11.1% for IDef, and 12.7% for IDA.
  • Only 50.1% of patients had normal iron status indicators.
  • The youngest age group (4 months–2 years) exhibited the highest rates of IDec (37.2%), IDef (21.9%), and IDA (26.2%), with 77.1% showing abnormal serum iron concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency and related disorders are highly prevalent in children attending pediatric outpatient clinics, underscoring a significant public health issue.
  • Infants and toddlers (4 months–2 years) represent a particularly vulnerable group requiring focused attention for iron status monitoring.
  • Close monitoring and prompt treatment of iron deficiency are strongly recommended, especially during early childhood, to mitigate potential developmental consequences.

More Related Videos

Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay05:08

Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay

Published on: January 31, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

Disorders of Erythrocytes

Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes01:22

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...