Developmental profile in children with iron deficiency anemia and its changes after therapeutic iron supplementation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the developmental profile of children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the changes following iron supplementation.

METHODS:

Study was conducted prospectively in a tertiary care teaching institution. Subjects were children aged 6 months to 5-years, with IDA, proven by hematological parameters and iron studies. Complete blood counts and iron studies were performed at the beginning and following 3-months therapy with iron. Simultaneously, development was assessed by Developmental profile II (DPII), which was interpreted using IQ equivalent (IQE) scores and 'fractional months differential' (FMD).

RESULTS:

Thirty five children fulfilled predetermined inclusion criteria. The mean-age was 22.3+/-13.4 months. Majority (71.4%) had moderate, while 5 (14.3%), each had mild and severe anemia. Significant developmental delay was observed in iron deficient children. Maximum delay was observed in academic and communication domains. 6 (17.2%) failed developmental screening, with IQE scores of <70. Significant improvement in DPII scores was noticed following therapy. Although some gain in IQE scores was noticed in the majority (88.6%), significant improvement (e => 10-point gain) was observed in about half (51.4%). Interpretation of DPII by FMD revealed significant improvement in all the domains as well.

CONCLUSION:

Children with IDA have suboptimal developmental scores. The delayed development is variably reversible following oral iron therapy. Hb =< 7 g/dl and age >24 months predicts suboptimal outcome. FMD is a useful method of interpreting DPII.

• Authors: Saurabh Kumar Gupta, Deepak Bansal, Prahbhjot Malhi, Reena Das
• Journal: Indian journal of pediatrics (Indian J Pediatr) Vol. 77 Issue 4 Pg. 375-9 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 0973-7693 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 20428973 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ferrous Compounds
• ferrous sulfate

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Anemia, Iron-Deficiency (blood, drug therapy)
• Child Development
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Ferrous Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Infant
• Intelligence
• Male