Iron-deficiency anemia in children: from diagnosis to treatment.
10.5124/jkma.2016.59.9.678
- Author:
Jae Hee LEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea. pedjhl@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Iron-deficiency anemia;
Child;
Hypochromic microcytic anemia
- MeSH:
Anemia;
Anemia, Hypochromic;
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency*;
Breast Feeding;
Child*;
Chronic Disease;
Compliance;
Diagnosis*;
Ferritins;
Hemorrhage;
Humans;
Infant, Low Birth Weight;
Infant, Newborn;
Iron;
Iron, Dietary;
Milk;
Nutrition Disorders;
Premature Birth;
Risk Factors;
Thalassemia
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2016;59(9):678-682
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most frequent hematologic and nutritional disorder in children. The risk factors associated with IDA in children are rapid growth with inadequate dietary iron, low birth weight, premature birth, perinatal bleeding, early cow's milk intake, and breastfeeding beyond 6 months without iron supplementation. Blood loss is also an important cause of IDA. Most children with IDA are asymptomatic and may go undiagnosed. The diagnosis of IDA is confirmed by microcytic hypochromic anemia and a low level of serum ferritin. Monitoring the response to iron supplementation is a reasonable intervention for a clinically stable child with mild anemia and inadequate iron intake. IDA must be differentiated from the anemia that arises from chronic disease and thalassemia. Oral iron is usually recommended as first-line therapy. Parenteral iron is indicated in cases of poor compliance or failure of oral iron, intestinal malabsorption, or chronic bleeding.
