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The anemia of childhood revisited

T Tassiopoulos, G Stamatelos, E Filippidou

    Blut
    |March 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Physiological anemia in children involves smaller red blood cells (microcytosis). Red blood cell size inversely correlates with the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate/hemoglobin ratio, suggesting a link to this common childhood anemia.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Hematology
    • Red Blood Cell Physiology
    • Anemia Mechanisms

    Background:

    • Physiological anemia of childhood is a common condition.
    • Microcytosis (small red blood cells) is a characteristic feature.
    • The 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) to hemoglobin ratio's role is debated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To re-examine the mechanism of physiological anemia in children.
    • To investigate the relationship between red blood cell size and the 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio.
    • To assess the role of serum phosphorus in this anemia.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied a group of normal, non-iron deficient children.
    • Measured Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) as an indicator of red blood cell size.
    • Correlated MCV with the 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio and serum phosphorus levels.

    Main Results:

    • A significant inverse correlation was found between MCV and the 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio.
    • The 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio did not correlate with serum phosphorus levels.
    • Findings suggest red blood cell size influences the 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio.

    Conclusions:

    • Red blood cell size is a key factor in the physiological anemia of childhood.
    • The 2,3-DPG/hemoglobin ratio's dependence on red cell size offers a new perspective on anemia mechanisms.
    • Serum phosphorus is unlikely to be a primary indirect cause of this anemia.

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