Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hematology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to complications from prolonged exposure to acidic gastric contents.
• Acidic pH can cause erosions, leading to iron loss and subsequent anemia, particularly concerning in pediatric development.
• This study investigates the association between pediatric GERD and the presence of anemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of anemia in children diagnosed with GERD.
• To determine if there is a correlation between GERD and anemia or iron deficiency in pediatric patients.
• To explore the potential link between reflux esophagitis and anemia in children.

Main Methods:

• Esophageal pH-metry was used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease in 172 children.
• Patients were recruited from a regional children's hospital in northeast Romania.
• Anemia was assessed in the diagnosed pediatric GERD cohort.

Main Results:

• A moderate correlation (r = -0.35, p = 0.025) was observed between GERD and anemia in 23 out of 172 children.
• Children with GERD exhibited significantly lower serum iron levels (F = 8.46, p = 0.012).
• The findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between GERD and reduced iron levels.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a relationship between anemia or iron deficiency and pediatric GERD, potentially due to reflux esophagitis.
• Lower serum iron levels were significantly associated with GERD in the studied pediatric population.
• Larger studies are recommended to further investigate the repercussions of this association on child development.