Anemia is the most common hematologic abnormality identified in children and remains a major global public health problem in both developed and developing countries. In 2019, the WHO estimated that the global prevalence of anemia in children aged 6 to 59 months was 269 million, with the highest prevalence observed in children in the African region (60.2%).
This review takes a closer look at the risk factors that contribute to the development of anemia in children, including nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, chronic comorbidities, and congenital or genetic disorders affecting hemoglobin or red blood cells.
Pediatricians, especially those in the primary care setting, play a critical role in the identification and care of children affected by anemia. Delays in diagnosis and treatment might place patients with anemia at risk for rare but serious complications, including chronic and irreversible cognitive impairment. Careful consideration of these risk factors is essential to support timely screening, prevention efforts, and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Together, these findings highlight the importance of early, informed evaluation of anemia in children to support timely diagnosis and effective management.
Key Takeaways:
Anemia remains a significant burden in the pediatric population worldwide, and the differential diagnosis is extensive. A thorough understanding of the prevalence and risk factors as well as prompt identification through blood testing allows clinicians to properly assess and treat affected children. Pediatricians, particularly those in primary care, play a critical role in early detection and timely intervention for children affected by anemia.
This underscores the importance of reliable point‑of‑care hemoglobin testing in supporting early detection and screening efforts. By enabling efficient and accurate hemoglobin testing in pediatric care settings, the HemoCue Hb portfolio can support healthcare providers in the early identification and improved management of anemia in children.
Read the full publication here:
Anemia and Associated Risk Factors in Pediatric Patients
References:
Martinez-Torres V, Torres N, Davis JA, Corrales-Medina FF.
Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2023 Sep 4;14:267-280.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10488827/
