A Study of the Clinical Profile of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children With Sickle Cell Disease in a Tertiary Care

Naramreddy Sudheesh Reddy1, Keta Vagha1, Ashish Varma1

  • 1Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|October 25, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects 15% of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Managing IDA in SCD requires tailored approaches to improve health outcomes and reduce complications in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Genetic Blood Disorders
  • Nutritional Anemias

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent global health issues, especially in children.
  • Co-occurrence of SCD and IDA presents diagnostic and management complexities.
  • Understanding IDA's impact on pediatric SCD is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of IDA in children diagnosed with SCD.
  • To analyze the clinical impact and management challenges of IDA in this population.
  • To provide insights for refining clinical practices in managing co-existing SCD and IDA.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational study involving 60 children with SCD.
  • Comprehensive assessments including medical history, physical examination, and hematological tests.
  • IDA diagnosis based on hemoglobin, MCV, RDW, serum iron, and ferritin levels.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency was identified in 15% of the pediatric SCD cohort.
  • Significant associations found between SCD type and pallor (p=0.025) and sickle cell crises (p=0.023).
  • No significant association between SCD type and organomegaly (p=0.079) or iron deficiency (p=0.675).

Conclusions:

  • Diagnosing and managing IDA in children with SCD is complex due to overlapping symptoms and transfusion-related iron overload risks.
  • Tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are essential for improving outcomes.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is vital for managing these intertwined conditions and enhancing children's quality of life.