PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN 6-MONTH- TO 6-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN ATTENDED AT THE CLINICAL ANALYSES LABORATORY

  • Rosane da Silva Hintz Universidade do Contestado
  • Mário Lettieri Teixeira Instituto Federal Catarinesne
Keywords: Anemia, Prevalence, Haemoglobin.

Abstract

The prevalence of anemia in 590 children, between 6 months and 6 years old, attended at the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of Concordia SC Brazil from December 2008 to November 2009 is provided. Hemoglobin and haematocrit dose was obtained from blood collection and by analysis with a hematological analyzer. Children with hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL were considered to be suffering from anemia. Further, 590 reports were examined: 52.54% (310 subjects) were female and 47.45% (280 subjects) were male and age bracket comprised children between 6 month old and 6 years old. Haematocrit results showed that 43.89% (259), with índex lower than 35%, revealed anemia, whereas 56% (331) showed a concentration higher or equal to 35%. Consequently, 30% (177) of the children evaluated had anemia and 70% (413) had normal hemoglobin level. The main consequences of anemia are a delay in physical growth and in cognitive development and an increase in susceptibility to infections. It should be underscored that anemia’s multiple causes suggest multiple strategies for its effective combat. Effective intervention measures should be taken to minimize and control anemia.

Author Biographies

Rosane da Silva Hintz, Universidade do Contestado
Curso de Farmácia. Universidade do Contestado – Concórdia, Santa Catarina; E-mail: rosanesh2002@hotmail.com
Mário Lettieri Teixeira, Instituto Federal Catarinesne
Instituto Federal Catarinense E-mail: mario.lettieri@ifc-concordia.edu.br
Published
2012-04-10
Section
Artigos Originais