Iron deficiency anemia in an urban slum.
OBJECTIVE
Of this pilot study was to assess the iron status and dietary intake of 1-3 year-old apparently healthy toddlers of the lower socio-economic class, and the effect of eight weeks intervention with liquid oral iron in an urban slum in Pune, India.


METHODS
50 toddlers (M= 25, F= 25) with mean age of 2.4 years (SD 0.82) were evaluated. Anthropometry, Food Frequency Questionnaire, a hemogram and ferritin were measured. Twenty mg of elemental iron was given to all toddlers. After 8 weeks clinical examination, anthropometry, hemoglobin (HGB) and Ferritin were measured.


RESULTS
Prevalence of anemia was 66% (HGB <11 gm %) and ferritin (iron stores) were low (< 12 microgm/L) in 45 (90%). After therapy prevalence of anemia was 30%. There was a significant difference in the HGB and ferritin levels of children after eight weeks of therapy (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of anemia decreased from 66 to 30% after treatment with liquid iron. We propose that all concerned in the care of toddlers should join the fight against anemia and prescribe iron to all toddlers when they are seen for minor ailments.
Poona Medical Foundation Research Center, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India.
N M
NM
Hanumante
S
S
Kanvinde
N J
NJ
Sanwalka
M V
MV
Vaidya
A V
AV
Khadilkar
D000284:Administration, Oral; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014505:Urban Population
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; D005293:Ferritins