Etiology of Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Pediatric Outpatient Department at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a regular challenge in infancy, particularly children of six months to twenty-four  months of age. Generally, in Bangladesh, 68% of patients between 6 to 59 months are anemic. Anemia  affects natural growth, reduces physical activity and academic functioning in infants who may indicate a  delayed development. Objective: To investigate the etiology of iron deficiency anemia among 6 to 36  months old child. Methodology: This cross sectional study was done at Bashundhara Ad-din Medical  College Hospital (BAMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh at outpatient department (OPD). A 110 anemic children, 6  to 36 months with Hb <11gm/dl were enrolled purposively in this study during September 2017 to June  2018. Other than CBC, additional investigation e.g. stool R/E, Hb electrophoresis, and serum ferritin for  anemic patients were investigated to find out the cause of anemia. Results: Amongst 110 enrolled patients,  66 (60.0%) were male, while 44 (40.0%) were female. Most of them had moderate anemia (75%). Moderate  and severe anemia was found more among 6-12 months’ age group who were belongs to poor and middle  socioeconomic status. Weight <11kgs, iron deficient diets, pre-lacteal feeding were found significant risk  factors for moderate and severe anemia and among them anorexia, palpitation, recurrent infection was  found common presentation. Conclusion: A considerable percentage of OPD children from 6 to 36 months
were anemic. Low socioeconomic status and mal feeding were found significant risk factors for moderate  to severe anemia.