Prevalence of Anemia Among Children in a Single University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Anemia is a common public health issue, causing an increase in mortality and morbidity, especially in pregnant women and children. WHO reported the prevalence of anemia in preschool children as 47.4%, and incidence of anemia is gradually increasing. Iron deficiency is responsible for approximately 50% of cases with anemia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anemia and the underlying causes of anemia in pediatric patients who were admitted to a reference hospital. Method: This cross-sectional study was planned retrospectively and children between 0.5-15 years of age who were admitted to our hospital for any indication between July 2017-July 2018 were included. Sampling Among these patients with anemia, those with hemoglobin values less than 11 g/dl were included in the study. Results: The incidence of anemia was detected as 8.2% (n=4655). The median age of anemic children was three years, and 54.4% of them were male. Anemia was more common among 2-5 year-old-children (50.8%). The prevalence of anemia was higher in boys between ages of 0.5-1 and 2-5 years, while it was higher in girls between ages of 10-12 and 13-15 years with a statistically significant difference. The median hemoglobin value was 10.2 (min-max: 2.8-10.9) g/dl, and MCV was 74.5 (min-max: 46.9-126.8) fl. Conclusion: The incidence of anemia in a reference centre in Black Sea region of Turkey in children between 0.5-15 years of age is 8%. The laboratory parameters were consistent with a probable diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. The majority of patients (64%) had mild anemia. Collaboration between physicians and parents in the prevention and treatment of anemia is critical in protecting children from anemia, which is the cause of preventable mental retardation.