Iron Deficiency Anemia: An Updated Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Hematology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency globally, particularly affecting children in developing countries.
• Severe or prolonged IDA in early childhood can lead to lasting neurodevelopmental and cognitive impairments.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, supplemented by searches on Google, UpToDate, and Wikipedia.
• The review included clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published in English within the last 10 years.

Key Points:

• IDA is most common in children aged 9 months to 3 years and adolescents, stemming from increased demand, poor intake, malabsorption, or blood loss.
• Symptoms range from asymptomatic to pallor, fatigue, and in severe cases, tachycardia and respiratory distress.
• Diagnosis is supported by low hemoglobin and peripheral blood smear findings, confirmed by low serum ferritin; oral iron therapy is the primary treatment.

Conclusions:

• Despite declining prevalence, IDA remains a significant pediatric health concern, necessitating effective prevention strategies.
• Primary prevention includes iron supplementation and food fortification, alongside crucial dietary counseling and education.
• Secondary prevention involves timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment, with universal screening recommended at one year of age for healthy children.