Description

Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anaemia in childhood. In the first few weeks of life, iron deficiency is an unlikely cause of anaemia but later in infancy and early childhood, dietary related iron deficiency becomes relatively common. There are often concomitant aetiological factors present notably prematurity and low birth weight, both of which are associated at birth with low total body iron stores but not functional iron deficiency. In later childhood there is a reduction in the incidence of iron deficiency and an underlying causal pathology, usually gastrointestinal, is more often present. At puberty increased demands for iron recur and once again physiological iron deficiency becomes a relatively more important aetiological factor.

Diagnosis and differentiation from other causes of hypochromic, microcytic anaemias are usually straightforward. Only in a small number of cases will more intensive investigation be required for diagnosis.

Treatment must include management of the underlying cause and in the majority of cases dietary advice is needed. Only appropriate paediatric preparations of iron should be prescribed and advice given to avoid accidental over dosage.