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Severe iron deficiency anaemia in Fiji children
M Shrestha1, V Chandra, P Singh
1Department of Paediatrics, Lautoka Hospital, Fiji.
Insights
Severe iron deficiency anaemia is a significant issue in young Fijian children with illnesses. Dietary changes and iron therapy effectively treated all affected children in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Anemia
- Public Health in Oceania
Background:
- Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a prevalent global health concern, particularly in children.
- Severe IDA can lead to significant morbidity and developmental delays.
- Understanding the prevalence of severe IDA in specific populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of severe iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children in Fiji presenting with intercurrent illnesses.
- To assess the effectiveness of dietary modifications and iron therapy in treating severe IDA in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A prospective screening of 2136 children (6 months–12 years) attending a hospital and health center in Fiji over 9 months.
- Inclusion criteria: presentation with an intercurrent illness and screening for severe IDA (hemoglobin < 70 g/L).
- Interventions included dietary advice and iron supplementation for identified cases.
Main Results:
- Eighty children (3.7%) were diagnosed with severe IDA.
- The majority of affected children (75%) were under 2 years of age.
- All 80 children with severe IDA showed successful correction of anaemia following dietary and iron therapy interventions.
Conclusions:
- Severe iron deficiency anaemia is a common problem among Fijian children seeking medical care for illnesses.
- Simple interventions, including dietary modifications and iron therapy, are highly effective in treating severe IDA in this population.
- These findings highlight the importance of nutritional screening and intervention programs for young children in Fiji.
Aims:
A prospective study to determine the magnitude of the problem of severe iron deficiency anaemia in Fiji children with intercurrent illnesses and their response to the interventions with dietary modifications and iron therapy.
Methods:
A total of 2136 consecutive children between 6 months and 12 years of age, who attended a hospital and a health centre in Fiji, for intercurrent illness, during a 9 months period, were screened for severe iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin < 70 g/L).
Results:
Eighty children (3.7%) had severe iron deficiency anaemia. Majority (75%) of children with severe anaemia were younger than 2 years. Dietary and iron therapy were successful in correcting anaemia in all 80 children.
Conclusions:
Severe iron deficiency anaemia was common in Fiji children seeking medical attention for intercurrent illness. Simple therapeutic measures, which included dietary advice and iron therapy, were successful in correcting this severe debility in those children.