A study of severe anemia in hospitalized children in Afghanistan
Goel, R.G.; Bhan, M.K.; Azamy, S.; Ahrary, R.; Srivastava, R.N.
Indian Pediatrics 18(9): 643-646
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 7319613 Document Number: 179184
Patients (200) with severe anemia (Hb < 7 g/dl) admitted over a 7-mo. period were studied; 64% were boys and 105 (52.5%) were age < 5 yr. The Hb values were < 3, 3-5 and 5-7 g/dl in 24, 80 and 96 patients, respectively. Nutritional anemia was most frequent with Fe deficiency in 96 (48%), folate deficiency in 15 (7.5%), and combined Fe and folate deficiency in 27 (13.5%). Of these patients, 60% were between 5-15 yr of age and 80% had weights below 5th percentile of Harvard Standards. The other causes were thalassemia major (11%), acute hemolytic anemia (6%), aplastic anemia (5%), and leukemia or lymphoma (16%). No patient had hookworm infestation. Excessive ingestion of tea with all the meals was common and may have contributed to the occurrence of anemia by decreasing intestinal absorption of Fe. The study highlights the high incidence of severe nutritional anemia, particularly in older children, and the obvious need for preventive measures.