Iron depletion and anaemia: prevalence, consequences, diagnostic and therapeutic implications in a developing Pakistani population
Hamedani, P.; Hashmi, K.Z.; Manji, M.
Current Medical Research and Opinion 10(7): 480-485
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-7995 PMID: 3621993 DOI: 10.1185/03007998709112407Document Number: 364750
Iron deficiency anemia has more serious consequences on the health of people in developing than developed nations. In Karachi Pakistan 300 subjects were examined to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia: 100 children (49 males and 51 females) aged 2-6 years; 100 females aged 17-21 years with no history of pregnancy; and 100 females aged 25-35 with at least 1 prior pregnancy. Most subjects came from the lower to middle income groups, with only 10% from the higher income bracket. Blood samples were taken to measure serum ferratin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), red cell indices and films. Results showed that anemia was present in 47% of the children, a 30% of the adult females. More than half of both children and adult females had serum ferritin levels measuring below normal. Elevated iron binding capacity and reduced serum iron levels were found in many subjects. In the children, iron deficiency may be superimposed on folate deficiency. As a result, low levels of serum ferritin go hand in hand with iron depletion, and this is directly dependent upon the diet and socioeconomic conditions of the populace.