Study of pattern of anemia in children in and around Mahabub Nagar

Introduction: Anemia is a common concern in different age groups. Anemia leads to loss in physical function, affecting quality of life and has substantial social and economic effects. Because anemia is a sign, not a diagnosis, an evaluation is almost always warranted to identify the underlying cause so as to prompt appropriate clinical attention. Objectives: As anemia is most commonly seen in children in whom it leads to growth retardation, the objective of this thesis is to calculate the prevalence of anemia and to study the pattern of anemia in this age groups, in an area which is of low socioeconomic standards. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken at SVS Medical College and Hospital. Mahabubnagar. Children (1-15 years) were studied. Routine laboratory investigations like hemoglobin estimation by Cyanmethhemoglobin method, hematocrit (packed cell volume) and peripheral smear examination was done along with other tests as felt necessary to fix the pattern and etiology of anemia. Results: Prevalence of anemia in the study subjects with microcytic hypochromic anemia accounting for 84% in children, followed by normocytic normochromic anemia accounting for 7%. Iron deficiency anemia accounted for 80% in children, followed by anemia of chronic disease accounting for 8%. Conclusion: Identifying anemia is an important aspect of a comprehensive assessment. Confirming the type of anemia is critical to direct the investigation for profiling the etiology since it is well known that the treatment of anemia goes a long way in improving the overall outcome and quality of life.