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[Iron deficiency and psychomotor development tests. Longitudinal study between 10 months and 4 years of age]
J P Dommergues1, M P Archambeaud, B Ducot
1Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.
Insights
Iron deficiency anemia in young children is common, but its impact on psychomotor development is most evident at age two. Early iron deficiency can affect cognitive development, highlighting the need for monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent concern in early childhood.
- Psychomotor development is crucial for a child's overall well-being and future learning.
- Understanding the link between iron status and cognitive function is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between iron deficiency and psychomotor development in young children.
- To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and low ferritin levels in the studied cohort.
- To determine if iron deficiency impacts cognitive development over time.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 147 children from 10 months to 4 years of age.
- Psychomotor development was assessed using the Brunet-Lézine tests.
- Iron deficiency was evaluated through hemoglobin, ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels.
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency anemia prevalence decreased from 22% at 10 months to 2% at 4 years.
- Abnormally low ferritin levels were observed in 35-40% of children throughout the study.
- At age 2, children without iron deficiency showed significantly higher Development Quotient (DQ) scores compared to deficient children, even after controlling for confounding variables.
Conclusions:
- While iron deficiency anemia prevalence declines with age, persistently low ferritin levels are common.
- Iron deficiency at age 2 is associated with lower psychomotor development, suggesting a critical window for intervention.
- Monitoring iron status and psychomotor development in young children is essential for optimal cognitive outcomes.
Abstract:
A longitudinal study of iron deficiency and of psychomotor development was carried out in 147 children followed between the ages of 10 months and 4 years in 2 well-baby out-patient clinics in Paris area. The tests used were those of Brunet-Lézine. The frequency of iron deficiency anemia was 22% at age 10 months, 9% at 2 years and 2% at 4 years. Ferritin blood levels were abnormally low in 35% of patients at 10 months of age, in 36% at 2 years and in 40% at 4 years. No significant correlation could be found between the Development Quotient (DQ) and biological data at the ages of 10 months and 4 years. On the other hand, at age 2, the mean DQ values were higher in children without deficiency than in those with deficiency with respect to the following biological parameters: hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. These differences persisted even after taking into account variables known to influence psychomotor development.