Iron deficiency anemia in first few years of life can have long term effects as it not only makes the children prone to several medical complications
and infections, but also shows mental and behavioral development which can result in lower IQ level than general population as reported
in the various studies held worldwide . Therefore, it is essential to study this prevalent disease in terms of effects, detection, treatment,
prognosis . Therefore, these studies do not reflect the proportion of cases of thrombocytosis due to underlying iron deficient state in developing
countries where iron deficiency anemia is more prevalent.
Materials and methods:
Patients attending Outpatient and In-patient Department of Pediatrics in the Rohilkhand medical College and Hospital, Bareilly. It was a
hospital based prospective study conducted over a period of Dec 2013-May 2014. 200 patients under 18 years of age suspected of having iron
deficiency anemia on the basis of microcytic anemia on initial hematological investigation. were enrolled.
OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
Most cases had anemia of moderate severity (65%), while a significant number of patients had severe anemia (27.5%).Among total of 200
patients, 49 i.e 24.5% were found to have thrombocytosis.Among total 49 cases with thrombocytosis, platelet count returned to normal after
one month of iron therapy in 45 while rest all 4 cases had mild degree of thrombocytosis. Out of 200 patients of IDA, 12 patients were given
anti-thrombotic prophylaxis in the form of low dose aspirin. This group included all the patients of moderate to severe thrombocytosis.
CONCLUSIONS:
IDA was found to be associated with pica, irritability, decreased appetite, poor weight gain, febrile seizure, neurological dysfunction and
breath holding spells. Among the patients of iron deficiency anemia, a significant number had thrombocytosis. Anaemia is curable if diagnosed
early, otherwise it may be fatal. Anaemic babies are retrospective marker of the nutritional status of women of the country. Improving
mother’s health and reducing child malnutrition are major challenges to human development in this millennium. Well nourished and
healthy children will be healthier in their adolescence and more productive ages and also will give birth to healthier babies tomorrow contributing
to human development in the present and future generation.