Severe iron deficiency anaemia and ischaemic stroke in children

P Munot1, C De Vile, C Hemingway

  • 1Neurology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK. munotp@gosh.nhs.uk

Insights

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is linked to developmental issues and rarely stroke in young children. This study highlights IDA as a significant, treatable risk factor for childhood stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Hematology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) affects 4-8% of children aged 1-3 years.
  • IDA is associated with developmental delay, lethargy, irritability, and cognitive issues.
  • IDA is a rarely reported risk factor for stroke in healthy children.

Observation:

  • A series of four young children (14-48 months) with significant IDA were studied.
  • Three children experienced venous sinus thrombosis.
  • One child suffered an arterial ischaemic stroke.
  • No other risk factors for stroke were identified in these children.

Findings:

  • The study consolidates evidence linking IDA to childhood stroke.
  • IDA presents a significant risk factor for cerebrovascular events in pediatric populations.
  • The identified cases underscore the importance of screening for IDA in children with stroke.

Implications:

  • Highlights IDA as an easily treatable and preventable cause of childhood stroke.
  • Suggests increased vigilance for IDA in pediatric stroke cases.
  • Emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and management of IDA to prevent severe neurological complications.

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
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...