Anemia y depleción de las reservas de hierro en adolescentes de sexo femenino no embarazadas

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of anemia and of depleted reserves of iron (RID) in non pregnant female adolescents form Maracaibo-Venezuela. Methods: The study population consisted of seventy-four adolescents (16.0±1.2 years old). Anemia was considered when Hb<120g/l; RID (ferritin)<15μg/l; insufficient reserves of iron IRI=15-20μg/l and normal reserves of iron (RIN)>20μg/l.. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 48.65%; RID=41.95%; IRI=13.51%; anemia with RID and IRI=32.43% and anemia wioth RIN=16,22%. Adolescents with anemia+IRI showed a significantly decreased body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). Adolescents with undernutrition (25.68%), had anemia with RID (5.41%) and RID with IRI (13.52%). Adolescents with overweight (8.10%), showed anemia with RID=4,05%. In adolescents with normal BMI (66.22%), 40.74% had RID and IRI associated or not associated with anemia. In adolescent with anemia with RID the prevalence of microcytic (21.62%) and hypochromic (22.97%) anemia were higher than other groups (p=0.0125 and p=0.0104, respectively). Conclusions: Anemia and depleted iron deficiency stores are highly prevalent in female adolescents. Early detection of iron depletion would help physical and intellectual development so that adequate sanitary policies are necessary for its prevention.