Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pediatric Patients with Breath Holding Spells

Abstract

Background: Breath-holding spells can occur in infancy and early childhood, more common among 6 - 18 months of age. Roughly 5% of children have breath holding spells and iron deficiency anemia has been reported to be associated with it. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in Pediatric patients having breath holding spells. Place and duration of study: Pediatric Department, Allied Hospital Faisalabad (December 2016 to May 2017). Patient & Methods: 95 cases of age 6 to 60 months attending the pediatric outdoor with breath holding spells were taken up in the study and written consent was taken from parents. Exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Patients included in the study were thoroughly evaluated by taking detailed history and examination. About 3cc blood was drawn for blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin level, sent to the hospital laboratory. Iron deficiency anemia was assessed as per my operational definition. Results: In this study, 61% (n=58) were between 6-36 months of age whereas 39%(n=37) were between 37-60 months of age, mean+SD was calculated as 38.74+11.98 months; 59%(n=56) were male and 41%(n=39) were females. Frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with breath holding spells was recorded as 51.6%(n=49). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is higher in breath holding children and effective treatment of these children is also easily available in the form of cheap iron preparation