IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of nutritional anemia in the Philippines. This is most commonly seen between the ages of 6 and 24 months. The etiology of this type of anemia is classified as follows:

  1. Inadequate supply of iron
  2. Impaired absorption
  3. Excessive demands for iron required for growth
  4. Blood loss

Inadequate supply of iron could be due to lack of iron stores at birth as seen in prematures, low birth weight, multiple births , when the mother has severe iron deficiency and when there is fetal blood loss before or at delivery.

There is also inadequate supply of iron when there is inadequate intake.

Impaired absorption of iron is expected in these conditions:

  1. Chronic or recurrent diarrhea
  2. Malabsorption syndrome
  3. Gastrointestinal abnormalities

Clinically, the manifestation is nonspecific. Mild iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed on the basis of laboratory examinations alone as the infant shows few signs related to the anemia. In severe cases, there may be irritability, listlessness, and loss of appetite. There may be skin pallor, an enlarged spleen, tachycardia, systolic murmurs and cardiomegaly.

To prevent this iron deficiency anemia, a prophylactic program should begin with the administration of iron to expectant mothers. Breastfeeding should be encouraged since the iron in human milk is well absorbed than the iron in cow’s milk. Supplemental iron is required to be given early in premature infants, multiple births and to infants whose mothers have untreated iron deficiency anemia.

Successful management of iron deficiency anemia requires a thorough investigation of basic etiologic factors and addressing them right away.

These are the salient steps to be considered:

  1. Nutrition should be balanced and well planned.
  2. If there is hookworm infection then deworming should be done.
  3. Health education of the family is vital