Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Children with Congenital Heart Disease and the Usefulness of Erythrocyte Indices as a Screening Tool

Abstract

Iron deficiency is thought to be the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and is a preventable and treatable condition. Iron is an essential micronutrient playing a fundamental role in the formation of hemoglobin, myoglobin and numerous oxygen-carrier enzymes. In 2000, the results of the first study aimed at treating anemia in patients with heart failure. Anemia in children with CHD, especially in cyanotic children who show high hematocrit value due to chronic hypoxia, is frequently missed or under diagnosed in daily practice. From RBC indices, we can suspect iron deficiency anemia. This hospital based study was conducted with the aim and objectives of identifying iron deficiency anemia in children with congenital heart diseases, to treat, and to prevent its consequences & role of erythrocytes indices. It has been found that half (46.0%) of the children were between 6months-1year of age, and very less number (5.6%) of children were >10 years of age. Males were 54.0% and females were 46.0% with male: female ratio being1.17:1. This study population includes 66.7% CAHD, and 33.3%CCHD with CAHD: CCHD ratio being 2:1. Among CAHD, 53.6% were VSD and among CCHD, 64.3%were TOF. The study shows statistical significance in erythrocyte indices, both in congenital acynotic as well as cyanotic heart diseases. It has been concluded in the study that prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in congenital heart diseases was 34.1%, which was more than one-third of the study population; and iron depleted stage was also found in another one-third of the study population. RBC indices were very useful as a screening tool to detect, prevent and treat iron deficiency or IDA in children with CHD.