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A survey of microcytic anaemia in paediatric inpatients
1Department of Paediatrics, Whipps Cross Hospital, London.
Insights
Iron deficiency anaemia is common in young children, particularly those from immigrant communities. Screening programs should target preschool-aged children based on age and ethnic background.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anaemia and microcytosis are significant health concerns in children.
- Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for IDA is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of anaemia and microcytosis in hospitalized children.
- To investigate the association of anaemia and microcytosis with age and ethnicity.
- To inform screening strategies for IDA in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 662 children aged 6 months to 8 years.
- Analysis of anaemia (hemoglobin < 3rd centile) and microcytosis prevalence.
- Comparison of prevalence rates between Caucasian and non-Caucasian children.
Main Results:
- Overall anaemia prevalence was 23% in <2 years, 18% in 2-5 years, and 10% in 5-8 years.
- Non-Caucasian children (primarily Pakistani) showed higher rates of anaemia (31% peak in 3rd-5th years) and microcytosis (12%) compared to Caucasians (2%).
- Prevalence of both conditions decreased with increasing age.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency anaemia is likely common in preschool-aged children, especially within immigrant communities.
- Age and ethnicity are significant factors influencing IDA prevalence.
- Health programs should consider age-specific and ethnicity-informed screening for IDA.
Abstract:
The prevalence of anaemia and microcytosis was studied retrospectively in 662 children aged 6 months to 8 years, admitted to hospital over a 10-month period. Anaemia (haemoglobin less than third centile) was found in 23% of children under the age of 2, 18% of those between 2 and 5 years and 10% between 5 and 8 years. Non-Caucasians (mainly Pakistani) were more commonly anaemic than Caucasians and showed a peak prevalence (31%) in the 3rd, 4th and 5th years. Microcytosis was found in 12% of non-Caucasians but only 2% of Caucasians and also showed a fall in prevalence with increasing age. These data suggest that iron deficiency anaemia may be common in preschool children, especially in the immigrant community. Health workers designing a programme to screen for iron deficiency anaemia should be aware of this age distribution.