Hemogram Pattern in Iron Deficiency Anemic Children in Nepal – A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is the commonest micronutrient deficiency in the world. The diagnosis of anemia is easy but diagnosing iron deficiency anemia is challenging as it requires serum iron study. This study was designed to study the hemogram pattern in iron deficient anemic Nepalese children with the aim of predicting iron deficiency anemia with complete blood count. Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken in a tertiary care center in Nepal for a duration of three years. Children who were diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia were included in the study. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed on the basis of reduced hemoglobin, raised total iron binding capacity and reduced serum ferritin. The demographic profile and clinical presentations of the participant children were noted. The complete blood count and the peripheral blood smear findings were analyzed. SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among total 205 children, there were 69% males and 31% females. Infants and toddlers comprised 34% and 46% respectively. Poor appetite was the chief presenting complaint among 90% children. Around 62.9% children had leukocytosis, 88.8% had neutrophilia, 61.5% had lymphocytosis and 77.6% had thrombocytosis. 84.4% children had microcytic hypochromic picture. The mean MCV value noted was 67 fl. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia predominantly affects infants and toddlers. Poor appetite is the main presenting complaint of the anemic children. Iron deficient anemic children had relative leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and thrombocytosis. Peripheral blood smear in iron deficiency anemia was microcytic hypochromic with lower MCV values. Clinical trial number: Not applicable