Anemia in children: prevalence, causes, diagnostic work-up, and long-term consequences

Abstract

Anemia in children is a major public health problem throughout the world. It is often multifactorial, iron deficiency being the most frequent etiology. Consequences are diverse and largely under evaluated. Areas covered: This paper briefly reviews the main causes and focus on the potential consequences of acute and chronic anemia in children. Expert commentary: Anemia in children should never be trivialized. Even if iron deficiency is frequently involved, other potentially life-threatening causes are possible and should be looked for. The exact contribution of anemia to child mortality and morbidity is difficult to assess because of overlapping comorbidities. Chronic anemia may impair growth, cardiac function and cognitive development in infants but other consequences are rather poorly described and should be explored more thoroughly.

Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping of Term Babies on Neurodevelopment at 12 Months: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…With a high global prevalence of infant iron deficiency anemia, the possibility of iron deficiency anemia affecting children’s development has implications not only for individuals’ development but also for the national development in countries [27]. Iron deficiency has a direct effect on the developing brain and an indirect effect resulting in poorer long-term behavioral and developmental outcomes by alteration in social/emotional and neurocognitive functions through effects on the dopamine pathways [28].…”

Alimentos Fontes De Ferro E Vitamina C Consumidos Entre Lactentes Da Atenção Primária À Saúde

“…A ingestão de micronutrientes pelas crianças tem se mostrado inadequada, sobretudo em relação ao ferro, no cenário internacional (5)(6)(7)(8) e nacional (2,4) . Este nutriente é considerado como marcador de uma dieta de baixa qualidade e de práticas alimentares incorretas (2,4) .…”

“…A anemia ferropriva, patologia resultante da carência de ferro, tem atingido muitos lactentes (1,(5)(6)(7)10,11) . Nessa fase, a anemia está comumente relacionada com a interrupção precoce do aleitamento materno e a alimentação complementar oferecida de forma inadequada (3,10,12) .…”

“…As implicações desse quadro vão desde o comprometimento do desenvolvimento psicomotor, aumento da suscetibilidade a infecções, diminuição na capacidade de se exercitar e danos irreversíveis no sistema nervoso (1,5,9,10) . com repercussões na idade adulta.…”

Effect of Red Raisins (Vitis Vinifera L.) Intake on the Level of Some Hematological Tests in a Group of Female Volunteers

“…Anaemia is characterized by low concentration of haemoglobin and hence their tissues get less oxygen than the required amount. Anaemia results in decrease in overall physical growth of children decrease in cognitive performance as well as compromised immune status [3]. This global health problem can be addressed by improving the dietary iron bioavailability.…”