A survey of microcytic anaemia in paediatric inpatients.
The prevalence of anaemia and microcytosis was studied retrospectively in 662 children aged 6 months to 8 years, admitted to hospital over a 10-month period. Anaemia (haemoglobin less than third centile) was found in 23% of children under the age of 2, 18% of those between 2 and 5 years and 10% between 5 and 8 years. Non-Caucasians (mainly Pakistani) were more commonly anaemic than Caucasians and showed a peak prevalence (31%) in the 3rd, 4th and 5th years. Microcytosis was found in 12% of non-Caucasians but only 2% of Caucasians and also showed a fall in prevalence with increasing age. These data suggest that iron deficiency anaemia may be common in preschool children, especially in the immigrant community. Health workers designing a programme to screen for iron deficiency anaemia should be aware of this age distribution.
Mills
A F
AF
Department of Paediatrics, Whipps Cross Hospital, London.
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000818:Animals; D044466:Asian People; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008131:London; D008892:Milk; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D044465:White People