Clinical profile of hypochromic microcytic anemia in Chittoor district, India

Authors

  • Rajesh Kumar V. Department of Pediatrics, Apollo Medical Sciences and Research, Murakambattu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Ande Penchalaiah Department of Pediatrics, Apollo Medical Sciences and Research, Murakambattu, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20202080

Keywords:

Hemoglobin, Iron deficiency anemia, Oral iron therapy, RBC Count

Abstract

Background: Anemia is not a diagnosis by itself like fever but merely is an objective sign of the presence of disease. The correct diagnostic terminology for a child with anemia requires the detection of etiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of the anemia. To evaluate the role of therapeutic oral iron therapy as a diagnostic approach to hypochromic microcytic anemia.

Methods: The present study is a retrospective study conducted at the teaching hospital, Chittoor district from September 2019 to December 2019. A total number of 350 cases of anemia were studied from both inpatient and outpatient services in the age group 2 months to 12 years. Hemogram, Hb Electrophoresis, and bone marrow study as necessary based on individual cases.

Results: From the above analysis, the mean Hb% at the time of entry to study was 7.36gms%. The mean Hb% after the iron therapy was 11.8gms%. The mean increase in Hb was 4.4gms%. In this study, the average RBC count was 2.9 million cells/cumm.

Conclusions: A therapeutic trial of oral iron is an appropriate initial step in the diagnostic approach of hypochromic microcytic anemia. Costly investigations like Hb electrophoresis and bone marrow study are required only in selected cases.

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Published

2020-05-22

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Original Research Articles