CLINICO-HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders affecting children, particularly in 
developing countries. During infancy and early childhood, increased iron requirement associated with rapid growth, poor 
dietary intake, recurrent infections, worm infestation, and adverse socioeconomic conditions may contribute to the 
development of anemia. Prolonged iron deficiency may affect physical growth, immunity, behaviour, cognitive 
development, and overall childhood morbidity. 
Aim: To study the clinical and hematological profile of pediatric patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia admitted 
in a tertiary care hospital. 
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 220 children aged 6 months to 12 
years diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Detailed history regarding dietary intake, socioeconomic status, recurrent 
infections, worm infestation, and developmental milestones was obtained. Clinical examination included assessment of 
pallor, nutritional status, glossitis, koilonychia, hepatosplenomegaly, and anthropometric measurements. Hemoglobin 
concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), total leukocyte count, platelet 
count, peripheral smear findings, and serum ferritin levels were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 
version 16. The Chi-square test was applied to determine associations between severe anemia and selected clinical 
variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 
Results: The majority of children belonged to the age group of 1–5 years, accounting for 106 (48.2%) cases. Pallor was 
observed in 210 (95.4%) children and was the most common clinical finding. Moderate anemia was present in 126 
(57.3%) cases, while severe anemia was observed in 56 (25.4%) children. The mean hemoglobin level was 7.8 ± 1.6 g/dL. 
Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the predominant peripheral smear finding, observed in 179 (81.3%) cases. Low 
serum ferritin levels were identified in the majority of children. Severe anemia showed significant association with 
malnutrition, recurrent infections, worm infestation, and low socioeconomic status. 
Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia was associated with significant clinical and hematological abnormalities among 
hospitalized pediatric patients. Young children were commonly affected, and microcytic hypochromic anemia was the 
predominant hematological pattern. Early identification of at-risk children, nutritional counselling, appropriate iron 
therapy, control of infections and worm infestation, and regular follow-up are important for reducing childhood morbidity.