The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in Karachi, Pakistan, was examined in a group of 100 children, aged 2 to 6 years, and 200 adult females, aged 17 to 35 years. Anaemia, defined as a haemoglobin level less than 11.5 g/dl, was present in 47% of the children and 30% of the adult females. The majority of subjects had normal red cell counts and MCV, but haematocrit and MCH were below normal in one-quarter of the children and one-third of the adult females. More than half of both children and adult females had serum ferritin levels below normal. Many also had elevated iron binding capacity and reduced serum iron levels. Iron deficiency may be superimposed on folate deficiency in this population. The potentially serious consequences and higher prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in children and women of childbearing age demand greater efforts toward diagnosis and eradication in developing countries.
PIP: Iron deficiency anemia has more serious consequences on the health of people in developing than developed nations. In Karachi Pakistan 300 subjects were examined to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia: 100 children (49 males and 51 females) aged 2-6 years; 100 females aged 17-21 years with no history of pregnancy; and 100 females aged 25-35 with at least 1 prior pregnancy. Most subjects came from the lower to middle income groups, with only 10% from the higher income bracket. Blood samples were taken to measure serum ferratin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), red cell indices and films. Results showed that anemia was present in 47% of the children, a 30% of the adult females. More than half of both children and adult females had serum ferritin levels measuring below normal. Elevated iron binding capacity and reduced serum iron levels were found in many subjects. In the children, iron deficiency may be superimposed on folate deficiency. As a result, low levels of serum ferritin go hand in hand with iron depletion, and this is directly dependent upon the diet and socioeconomic conditions of the populace.