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[Anemia in infants less than 1 year old in Moundou, Chad: prevalence and etiology]
1Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital de Moundou, Tchad.
Insights
Anemia is highly prevalent in infants in Moundou, Chad, with malaria identified as a key cause, especially for severe cases. This highlights the need for antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in infant care programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Infant anemia poses a significant public health challenge in tropical regions.
- Moundou, Chad, experiences seasonal challenges including malaria transmission.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of anemia in infants under one year of age in Moundou, Chad.
- To identify the primary etiological factors contributing to infant anemia, focusing on malaria and iron deficiency.
Summary:
- A survey of 144 infants revealed a high anemia prevalence (96.5%), with 139 cases diagnosed by WHO criteria, including 19 severe cases.
- Iron deficiency was present in 22.7% of infants. Malaria was detected in 45% of infants, with lower hemoglobin levels correlating significantly with malaria parasite levels.
- Nutritional status was directly correlated with hemoglobin levels, suggesting a multifactorial etiology.
Impact:
- Findings underscore malaria's major role in severe infant anemia in this region.
- Supports the implementation of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis within existing infant healthcare frameworks, such as the Extended Program on Immunization.
Abstract:
In order to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in infants under one year of age and ascertain the main etiologic factors, a survey was conducted in Moundou, Chad at the end of the rainy season. Tests were performed in 144 infants to determine hemoglobin levels, mean erythrocyte volume, transferrin saturation coefficient, serum iron level, Plasmodium positivity on blood smears, and nutritional status according to GOMEZ. Using the criteria defined by the World Health Organization, 139 infants were diagnosed as anemic including 19 cases classified as severe (hemoglobin level less than 5 g/dl). In addition, 32 of the 141 infants studied (22.7%) presented iron deficiency confirmed by two positive indicators. Serology demonstrated malaria in 45% of infants. Mean hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in infants with positive blood smears and this lowering increased the higher serum parasite levels. Nutritional status was directly correlated with hemoglobin level. This data suggests that malaria plays a major etiologic role in anemia in infants particularly severe anemia. This finding justifies use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in infants and the Centers for the Extended Vaccination Program provide the framework.