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Association between iron-deficiency anemia and stroke in young children

Jonathon L Maguire1, Gabrielle deVeber, Patricia C Parkin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Outcomes Research Team, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8.

Pediatrics
|November 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Iron-deficiency anemia is a significant risk factor for stroke in young children. Early identification and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia are crucial for preventing strokes in otherwise healthy children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia is common in children aged 1-3 years.
  • Previous reports suggest a link between iron-deficiency anemia and ischemic stroke in healthy children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between iron-deficiency anemia and stroke in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study compared 15 children with stroke to 143 healthy controls.
  • Data collected included hemoglobin, ferritin, and mean corpuscular volume levels.
  • Iron-deficiency anemia was defined by specific hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and ferritin thresholds.

Main Results:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia was diagnosed in 53% of children with stroke versus 9% of controls.
  • Children with stroke had lower hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume, and higher platelet counts.
  • A 10-fold increased likelihood of iron-deficiency anemia was observed in children with stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia is a significant risk factor for stroke in otherwise healthy young children.
  • Over half of stroke cases in healthy children were linked to iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Prioritizing primary prevention and early detection of iron-deficiency anemia is essential.
Abstract

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