CLINICO-HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF NUTRITIONAL ANEMIA IN HOSPITALISED INFANTS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: Anemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children. As many as 67.1% children aged 6-59 mo surveyed suffered from anemia in 2019 and 65.5% in Karnataka, according to NFHS-5. Nutritional anemia is most common but preventable cause for anemia in children in developing countries. This is due to improper feeding habits, especially during the initiation of complementary foods. Hence the present study is to know the pattern of anemia in infants of age group between 6 mo to 12 mo and to assess the nutritional and other associated risk factors contributing to Anemia. Methods: This study was carried out in 193 children aged 6 mo to 12 mo admitted in our hospital. Detailed clinical evaluation and relevant laboratory investigations were done as per proforma. Results: In our study majority were of age group 6 to 9 mo (52.8%). 40.4% of mothers of our study infants were anemic during pregnancy and 9.3% were blood transfused. Majority (53.4%) were exclusively breastfed. 45.6% were started on complementary feeding at 4 to 6 mo age.17.6% were moderately wasted and 9.3% of infants were severely wasted. There was a significant association between severity of anemia and mother’s anemia, inclusion of cow’s milk in diet, adequacy of complementary feeding, and inclusion of formula feeds (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nutritional anemia is most common cause of anemia in childhood, especially in developing countries like India. Parents and caregiver need awareness regarding the effect, causes of anemia and how to prevent it.