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Published on: January 19, 2024
Linear growth in children with iron deficiency anemia before and after treatment
Ashraf T Soliman1, Muhamad M Al Dabbagh, Alia Hussein Habboub
1Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Centre, Doha, Qatar. atsoliman@yahoo.com
Insights
Iron deficiency anemia in early childhood significantly stunts growth. Iron therapy effectively improves growth parameters, with growth velocity correlating with serum ferritin and BMI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent condition in infants and young children.
- IDA can negatively impact neurodevelopment and overall health.
- Early identification and treatment are crucial for mitigating long-term effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of iron deficiency anemia on growth parameters in children.
- To assess the effectiveness of iron therapy in improving growth in anemic children.
- To explore correlations between growth, iron status, and body mass index.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 children diagnosed with IDA was studied.
- Growth parameters (length SDS, growth velocity SDS, BMI) and hematological markers were measured before and after iron therapy.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment data and assess correlations.
Main Results:
- Children with IDA exhibited significantly reduced length and growth velocity compared to controls.
- Following iron therapy, significant improvements in length SDS, growth velocity SDS, and BMI were observed.
- Growth velocity showed a significant positive correlation with serum ferritin and BMI.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency anemia during the first two years of life is a significant impediment to a child's growth.
- Iron supplementation is an effective treatment for improving growth parameters in children with IDA.
- Monitoring growth and iron status is essential for early intervention and optimal child development.
Abstract:
We measured growth [length (L) standard deviation score (SDS), growth velocity (GV) SDS and body mass index (BMI)] and hematological (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and MCH) parameters in 40 children (aged 17.2 +/- 12.4 months) with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) before and after iron therapy. Before treatment children with IDA had LSDS = -1.2 +/- 1, GV = 7.5 +/- 2.2, GVSDS = -1.42 +/- 0.6 and BMI = 13.5 +/- 1.2. They were significantly shorter and had reduced growth as compared with age-matched controls. After treatment, their growth parameters significantly increased with LSDS = -0.6 +/- -0.9, GV = 13.2 +/- 4.4 cm year(-1), GVSDS = 1.7 +/- 0.5 and BMI = 14.2 +/- 1.1. Their GV correlated significantly with serum ferritin concentration (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.32, p < 0.1). In summary, IDA during the first 2 years of life significantly impairs growth.
