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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

Iron deficiency anemia in an urban slum

N M Hanumante1, S Kanvinde, N J Sanwalka

  • 1Poona Medical Foundation Research Center, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This pilot study found that liquid oral iron significantly reduced anemia prevalence in Indian toddlers from 66% to 30%. The intervention improved iron status in young children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Anemia is a significant health concern in toddlers, particularly in lower socio-economic populations.
  • Iron deficiency anemia affects iron status and overall health in young children.
  • Assessing iron status and dietary intake is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the iron status and dietary intake of toddlers aged 1-3 years from a low socio-economic group.
  • To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week liquid oral iron intervention on anemia and iron stores.
  • To provide insights for combating childhood anemia in urban slum settings.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study involving 50 toddlers (mean age 2.4 years) in an urban slum.
  • Measurements included anthropometry, Food Frequency Questionnaire, hemogram, and ferritin levels.
  • Intervention group received 20 mg of elemental iron daily for 8 weeks, followed by repeat measurements.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of anemia (Hemoglobin <11 gm%) was 66% initially, with 90% having low ferritin levels (<12 microgm/L).
  • After 8 weeks of iron therapy, anemia prevalence decreased to 30%.
  • Significant improvements in hemoglobin and ferritin levels were observed post-intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Liquid oral iron therapy effectively reduced anemia prevalence in toddlers.
  • The study highlights the need for proactive iron supplementation to combat childhood anemia.
  • Recommendations include widespread iron prescription for toddlers presenting with minor ailments.
Abstract

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