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Hemorheological parameters in children with iron-deficiency anemia and the alterations in these parameters in

Hülya Halis1, Melek Bor-Kucukatay, Mehmet Akin

  • 1Departmant of Pediatrics, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|April 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Iron supplementation therapy in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) improved red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation, along with blood viscosity. These hemorheological improvements normalized after treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Hemodynamics
  • Nutritional Anemias

Background:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is prevalent in children, impacting various physiological functions.
  • Previous studies on red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation in adult IDA patients yielded controversial results.
  • Hemorheological alterations in pediatric IDA are not well-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of iron supplementation on hemorheological parameters in children with IDA.
  • To assess changes in RBC deformability, RBC aggregation, plasma viscosity, and whole blood viscosity post-treatment.
  • To understand the role of iron therapy in restoring blood flow regulation in pediatric IDA.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 20 children with IDA and 20 age-matched healthy controls.
  • IDA group received 5 mg/kg/day oral iron for 2 months.
  • RBC deformability and aggregation assessed using an ectacytometer; viscosities measured with a cone-plate rotational viscometer.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was associated with reduced RBC deformability, aggregation, and viscosity.
  • Iron supplementation therapy normalized these hemorheological parameters to control levels.
  • Key hematological indicators (Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC) and serum ferritin levels increased significantly post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Iron treatment effectively reverses anemia-related hemorheological changes in children.
  • Supplementation contributes to improved blood flow regulation by normalizing RBC function and viscosity.
  • This highlights the importance of addressing iron deficiency for optimal circulatory health in pediatric patients.
Abstract

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