Anemia is the reduction in the hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, or the number of red blood cells (RBC). Any child with hemoglobin (Hb less than 11 gm/dl is defined as anemic.
The primary function of Hb/ red blood cells is to deliver adequate quantities of oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues.
Common causes of anemia in children are Iron deficiency anemia, Thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, infections, cancers, and aplastic anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia can lead to poor physical growth, repeated intestinal and respiratory infections, impaired cognitive and psychomotor skills, and behavioral changes. Excessive intake of milk can also cause iron deficiency anemia in children.
Treatment: Treatment will depend on the type of anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is treated with an oral iron supplement and nutritional and dietary guidance. Sometimes intravenous iron injections are given in some cases where oral iron is contraindicated.
Thalassemia major: These children need regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. The curative treatment option is Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Aplastic anemia: Bone marrow transplant is the curative option. But in case a bone marrow transplant is not possible then the patient can be treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
In acute hemolytic anemia, we need to treat the underlying cause. In G6 PD deficiency, the child needs to avoid certain drugs to prevent the breakdown of red cells.