European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Pediatric anemia is one of the major health burden in India and in major parts of the world, as it results in reduced exercise tolerance, slower rate of growth, impaired development and delayed wound healing. Anemic children are also at a higher risk of death due to complications associated with malnutrition and infection. Prevalence rate of anemia is an essential indicator of the nutritional status within the pediatric population. In the United States, around 18% of the children and in the developing countries about 82% of the children are anemic. Because of these factors, the study of the etiopathogenesis of anemia in infancy and childhood has attracted wide attention in the recent years in India. Materials and Method: A prospective study, for a period of 3 years at Department of Paediatrics, Tertiary care Teaching Hospital was conducted after obtaining ethical committee clearance of the institute. The children who were admitted in the hospital with sign of Pallor were selected as per inclusion criteria into the study. An informed consent was taken from parents, detailed history was recorded with particular emphasis on symptoms suggestive of anaemia such as weakness and easy fatiguability, breathlessness on exertion, pica. A thorough clinical examination of every child was done. Results: The present study comprised of 400 subjects, out of which 58% were males and 42% were females. Dimorphic, Macrocytic, Microcytic Hypochromic, Normocytic Hypochromic and Normocytic Normochromic Anaemia were reported in 12%, 4%, 50%, 4% and 30% of the subjects respectively. Maximum cases were of Microcytic Hypochromic type. The distribution of anemia according to Vit. B12 and Folic acid. Total 50 patients were studied. 12 cases of macrocytic anemia, 12 had Vitamin deficiency (8 with reduced Vit B12, 3 with reduced Folic acid and in 1 case both were reduced) i.e. 22.2%. In 28 cases of Dimorphic anemia, 38 had Vitamin deficiency (19 with reduced Vit. B12, 10  with reduced folic acid and in 2 cases both were reduced) i.e. 72.2%. Conclusion: In the current study, the preschool children are found to be the most affected. Hence, it is recommended that, this age group is compulsorily screened for anemia. A uniform definition of screening criteria and an effective system to respond to abnormalities is the need of the hour

INTRODUCTION Pediatric anemia is one of the major health burden in India and in major parts of the world, as it results in reduced exercise tolerance, slower rate of growth, impaired development and delayed wound healing. Anemic children are also at a higher risk of death due to complications associated with malnutrition and infection. Prevalence rate of anemia is an essential indicator of the nutritional status within the pediatric population. In the United States, around 18% of the children and in the developing countries about 82% of the children are anemic. Because of these factors, the study of the etiopathogenesis of anemia in infancy and childhood has attracted wide attention in the recent years in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study, for a period of 1 years at Department of Pathology, Chalmeda AnandRao Institute of Medical Sciences was conducted. The children who were admitted in the hospital with sign of Pallor were selected as per inclusion criteria into the study. Routine Investigations for anaemia and its causes were done. Anaemia was classified morphologically based on peripheral smear findings. Packed-cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW) were determined by automated cell counter. Hemoglobin was estimated by Sahli’s method and expressed in gm%, peripheral smear was stained by Leishman’s stain. Reticulocyte count was done by brilliant crystal stain method, serum iron determination was done by Ramany’s dipyridyl method, Total iron binding capacity was determined by Ramsay’s method, serum vitamin B12 and folic acid was determined by architect method. Results The present study comprised of 400 subjects, out of which 58% were males and 42% were females. Dimorphic, Macrocytic, Microcytic Hypochromic, Normocytic Hypochromic and Normocytic Normochromic Anaemia were reported in 12%, 4%, 50%, 4% and 30% of the subjects respectively. Maximum cases were of Microcytic Hypochromic type. The distribution of anemia according to Vit. B12 and Folic acid. Total 50 patients were studied. 12 cases of macrocytic anemia, 12 had Vitamin deficiency (8 with reduced Vit B12, 3 with reduced Folic acid and in 1 case both were reduced) i.e. 22.2%. In 28 cases of Dimorphic anemia, 38 had Vitamin deficiency (19 with reduced Vit. B12, 10  with reduced folic acid and in 2 cases both were reduced) i.e. 72.2%. Conclusion In the current study, the preschool children are found to be the most affected. Hence, it is recommended that, this age group is compulsorily screened for anemia. A uniform definition of screening criteria and an effective system to respond to abnormalities is the need of the hour. The current study was taken up, keeping this need in view

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major public health issue, particularly in developing countries like India, where malnutrition and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the problem. In the Sub-Himalayan region, the coexistence of IDA with deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid poses an additional challenge to healthcare providers. This study focuses on the prevalence of these combined deficiencies and aims to shed light on the complex interplay between iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid metabolism in anemia. Aims: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among patients in a tertiary care hospital in the Sub-Himalayan region Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the Sub-Himalayan region of India. The study was carried out over a period of 1 year, focusing on patients diagnosed with anemia.100 Patients were included in this study.  Result: In our study, 5 (5.0%) patients had Normal Range, 13 (13.0%) patients had Mild Deficiency, 15 (15.0%) patients had Moderate Deficiency and 67 (67.0%) patients had Severe Deficiency. The value of z is 9.1335. The value of p is < .00001. The result is significant at p < .05. In our study, 1 (1.0%) patient had Alfa thalassemia trait, 1 (1.0%) patient had Beta thalassemia trait, 1 (1.0%) patient had HbE carrier, 7 (7.0%) patients had HbE disease, 14 (14.0%) patients had HbE trait and 76 (76.0%) patients had Normal Pattern in HPLC. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong correlation between iron deficiency anemia and deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid in the Sub-Himalayan region of India. The coexistence of these deficiencies complicates the management of anemia and necessitates a more comprehensive diagnostic approach. The findings underline the need for nutritional interventions and public health strategies to address these deficiencies in resource-limited settings.

Background- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key indicator for assessing long-term glycemic control in diabetes mellitus (DM) and is used for diagnosis. However, certain conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA), can affect HbA1c levels. This study aims to investigate the impact of IDA on HbA1c levels in non-diabetic patients. Methods- This study was conducted from July 2022 to July 2024 at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences. A total of 100 non-diabetic participants diagnosed with IDA were included. Data collected included socio-demographic information, clinical history, and various blood tests including CBC, serum ferritin, iron profile, RBS, and HbA1c. Exclusion criteria were chronic diseases, known cases of diabetes, age below 18, and those on iron supplements or blood transfusion. Comparative analyses were performed between non-anaemic and IDA groups. Results- The study found significant differences in iron indices and HbA1c levels between non-anaemic and IDA groups. The mean HbA1c level was significantly higher in the IDA group (6.04 ± 0.74%) compared to the non-anaemic group (4.91 ± 0.65%). Severity of anemia correlated with higher HbA1c levels, with severe anemia showing the highest HbA1c values. Conclusion- The study concludes that IDA significantly elevates HbA1c levels in non-diabetic patients, suggesting that iron deficiency is an important factor influencing HbA1c measurements. This highlights the need for cautious interpretation of HbA1c levels in patients with anemia.

Background: Over the past few decades there is an increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is associated with a number of complications. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) is used as the “gold standard” for measuring the glycemic control and is also used as predictor of diabetic complications. HbA1c levels is not only affected by the blood glucose levels alone. They are also changed in conditions like blood loss, hemolytic anaemia, pregnancy, chronic kidney diseases, vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, splenectomy, hyperbilirubinemia, alcoholism and iron deficiency anaemia. As per WHO, iron deficiency is the commonest out of all deficiency diseases worldwide. Anemia is cited as a major confounding factor in the measurement of HbA1C. It was shown by few studies that patients with iron deficiency had higher HbA1C levels while few demonstrated that absolute HbA1c levels and mean HbA1c levels were lower in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. However, some studies showed no differences in HbA1c levels of patients with anaemia and healthy subjects. All these studies gave contradictory and inconsistent results. Thus, this study is conducted to know the effect of iron deficiency anaemia on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in non-diabetic individuals. Methods: 50 patients with iron deficiency anaemia and 50 healthy control subjects who were age and sex matched were registered in this study. Complete hemogram including peripheral smear, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels, glycated hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were measured in both the groups. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia was more in females during the third and fourth decades of life. Mean HbA1c of iron deficiency anaemia patients (5.78 ± 1.08) was significantly higher than that of the control population (5.46 ± 0.26 ) that was statistically highly significant (p<0.001) Conclusion: Our study showed that HbA1c levels were affected by iron deficiency anemia. HbA1C values were higher in patients with iron deficiency anemia than control group. So iron deficiency anemia has to be taken into consideration before using the HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes.

Background: Anemia poses a considerable global public health issue, leading to high rates of illness and death, increased hospitalizations, and setbacks in socio-economic progress. Iron deficiency anemia is recognized as the predominant cause of this burden worldwide. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to anemia, particularly iron deficiency, which significantly impacts community health. Globally, iron deficiency is the most prevalent and widespread nutritional disorder affecting people of all ages, with notably high prevalence rates observed among children in developing countries, where it can affect up to half of infants aged 12 months in some areas. Aims and objectives:To study the association of Iron Deficiency Anemia among different age groups in paediatric population, with respect to severity of Anemia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at the department of paediatrics, Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural hospital Loni, Maharastra, India, performed on children aged 6 months to 12 years coming to Paediatrics department from June 2022 to June 2024. Results: Out of 112 cases of Iron Deficiency Anemia, 19 cases (17%) were of Mild Anemia, 53 cases(47%) were of Moderate Anemia and 40 cases(36%) were of Severe type of Anemia. And 99 cases(88.4%) are from 6 months to 59 months age group and 13 cases (11.6%) are from 5 years to 11 years. Conclusion: Iron Deficiency Anemia is common among the low socio-economic classes in the rural areas of Western Maharashtra, leading to a significant morbidity during early childhood in the form of poor growth rates, easy susceptibility to infections and illnesses, pica which may lead to accidental poisoning, seizures and long term motor, cognitive and socio-emotional behavioral deficits. Therefore it is necessory to screen the school aged children, regularly to avoid the complications realated to Iron Deficiency Anemia, by proper dietary councelling and early initiation of Iron supplements in susceptible groups.

Background: Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors of iron deficiency anemia among school-aged children (6-14 years). The findings provide insights into anemia prevalence and its correlation with iron deficiency, emphasizing the need for preventive interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics over one year (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024). A total of 150 children were enrolled from outpatient pediatric clinics and school health programs. Demographic data, dietary habits, and clinical history were collected using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory investigations included a Complete Blood Count (CBC), serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and a peripheral blood smear. Anemia classification was based on WHO criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between anemia and various demographic and clinical parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia among the participants was 45.33%, with mild anemia in 35.82%, moderate anemia in 50.75%, and severe anemia in 13.43% of anemic children. Age and gender did not show a significant effect on hemoglobin levels (p > 0.05). Serum ferritin levels indicated that 10.00% of children had iron deficiency, highlighting that other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies or infections, may contribute to anemia. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency anemia remains a significant health concern among school-aged children, affecting nearly half of the study population. While iron deficiency plays a role, other nutritional and health-related factors may contribute to anemia. The study underscores the importance of early screening, dietary interventions, and public health initiatives to mitigate the impact of anemia on children's health and academic performance

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant concern among blood donors due to the potential impact on donor health and blood supply quality. This study assesses the prevalence of IDA in a cohort of blood donors, with a focus on gender differences and the efficacy of current screening practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center, including 74 blood donors (56 females and 18 males). Participants underwent screening for iron deficiency using standard hematological parameters, including hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency among female donors was 39.29% (95% CI: 26.79% - 51.79%), significantly higher than the 33.33% (95% CI: 11.11% - 55.56%) observed in male donors. The overall effectiveness of pre-donation screening in identifying iron deficiency was high, with a detection rate of 99.56% (95% CI: 90.91% - 100.00%) among those screened. Conclusions: Iron deficiency remains a prevalent issue among blood donors, particularly in females. The high rate of detection through pre-donation screening suggests that current methods are effective, but continuous monitoring and tailored interventions, such as iron supplementation and adjusted donation intervals, are recommended to manage iron levels in blood donors effectively. Further research is needed to refine screening techniques and develop gender-specific strategies to address this issue.

Prevalence of Iron deficiency at 5 to 6 months among Preterm and Exclusively Breastfed Term Infants in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Background: Iron has a crucial role in the development of the brain, including neuronal myelination, neurotransmission, and neurogenesis. It also has an impact on a child's behaviour, memory, learning, and general growth. In the early postnatal years, iron deficiency (ID) might have irreversible repercussions. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency at 5 to 6 months in preterm and exclusively breast-fed term infants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 49 preterm and 42 exclusively breastfed term infants after obtaining informed assent from their parents. Blood samples were withdrawn to estimate the level of serum iron and total iron binding capacity. Transferrin saturation index was calculated and the values less than 16 wereconsidered as Iron Deficiency. Iron deficiency and factors affecting itwere studied. Among preterms, correlation between number of days of exclusive breastfeeding, extent of prematurity and type of feeding with ID were studied.  Results:76.2% term though exclusively breastfed and 59.2% preterm infants had ID. Preterm infants had a higher mean transferrin saturation (15.2%) compared to term infants (11.69%). The difference in transferrin saturation between preterm and term infants was statistically significant(p=0.02). Among iron deficient term and preterm infants there is a significant correlation with respect to socioeconomic status (p=0.00001), maternal anemia(p=0.006), birth anthropometry(p=0.03) and twin gestation(p=0.004). It was found that there was no significant correlation between ID in preterm and term in comparison with their sex, mother’s status of consumption of iron supplementation (taken for at least 90 days), birth weight and current weight of the infants. Conclusion: Iron deficiency appears even before iron deficiency anemia and may not have protean manifestations.Early identification of iron deficiency before iron deficiency anemia sets in , can prevent adverse consequences. Screening for ID at 5 to 6 months of age should be done in both term and preterm infants. Iron deficiency appears to be more prevalent in term exclusively breast-fed infants compared to preterm infants, though not statistically significant.

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant public health issue among adolescent girls in rural India, impacting growth, cognitive development, and overall health. Socioeconomic conditions play a pivotal role in the prevalence and severity of anemia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of IDA and assess its association with socioeconomic determinants among adolescent girls in rural settings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months among 400 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years from five rural villages in India. Hemoglobin levels were estimated using the Sahli’s method. A structured questionnaire collected data on socioeconomic factors including family income, parental education, dietary habits, and access to healthcare. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify predictors of anemia. Results: The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was found to be 62.5%. Among these, 40% had mild anemia, 18% had moderate anemia, and 4.5% had severe anemia. A significant association was observed between anemia and low family income (p<0.01), maternal illiteracy (p=0.02), and poor dietary diversity (p<0.001). Girls from families earning below INR 5,000/month were 2.8 times more likely to be anemic compared to those from higher-income groups (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.9–4.1). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among adolescent girls in rural India, with socioeconomic disadvantages acting as key contributing factors. Interventions focused on improving nutritional awareness, female education, and economic support are crucial for effective anemia control in rural populations.

Microcytosis is a condition in which red blood cells are measured by their mean corpuscular volume 2. Microcytosis is characteristics of Iron deficiency anemia.1 Both Thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia may be seen in severe microcytosis although thrombocytosis is more commonly seen.  Aim and Objectives:  To study the values of impedance platelet count and mean platelet volume in case of severe microcytosis.  Materials and Method: A prospective study of 150 cases was carried out from 1st July 2018 to 31st October 2018 in Department of Pathology. Study of platelet count and mean platelet volume of 150 cases with low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was done.  Results: A total 150 cases with severe microcytosis (MCV < 60 fl) were evaluated for platelet count and mean platelet volume. Thrombocytosis was seen in 85 cases(56.7%), thrombocytopenia in 15 cases(10%), whereas normal platelet count was seen in 50 cases(33.3%). The mean platelet volume was low in 75 cases(50%) , high in 10 cases(6.7%), normal in 65 cases(43.3).  Conclusion: In severe microcytosis, both thrombocytosis and thrombocytopenia may occur although the incidence of thrombocytosis was high in our study. There is an inverse relationship of mean platelet volume and platelet count in case of severe microcytosis.

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries, and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia in pregnancy. Oral iron therapy remains the conventional treatment, but intravenous iron preparations, particularly ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), have gained attention due to better compliance and rapid hemoglobin improvement. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over a 12-month period. A total of 120 pregnant women (gestational age between 14–28 weeks) with moderate iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 7–9.9 g/dL) were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (n=60) received intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (1000 mg in a single infusion), and Group B (n=60) received oral ferrous sulfate tablets (100 mg elemental iron twice daily) for 6 weeks. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, and patient-reported gastrointestinal side effects were evaluated at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: At 6 weeks, the mean rise in hemoglobin was significantly higher in Group A (3.2 ± 0.6 g/dL) compared to Group B (2.1 ± 0.5 g/dL) (p < 0.001). Serum ferritin levels also increased markedly in Group A (from 12.4 ± 3.8 ng/mL to 56.3 ± 9.7 ng/mL), compared to Group B (from 13.2 ± 4.1 ng/mL to 32.7 ± 6.5 ng/mL). Gastrointestinal side effects were significantly less in the FCM group (10%) compared to the oral iron group (38%). Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose is more effective than oral iron in rapidly correcting hemoglobin and improving iron stores in pregnant women with moderate anemia. It is also associated with better tolerability and fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects, suggesting its suitability as a preferred option in antenatal anemia management.

The common haematological condition known as iron deficiency anaemia IDA is characterised by low iron stores that prevent the generation of enough red blood cells, which lowers haemoglobin levels and impairs oxygen transport. The aim of this study is to address the gap in existing research by investigating the clinical, ECG, and echocardiographic parameters in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Investigation such as Hemogram, peripheral smear, red cell indices, Serum ferritin, Electrocardiogram and Echocardiography was done. Patients with iron deficiency anemia underwent 2D ECHO evaluation, determining parameters like LV mass, relative wall thickness, concentration and eccentric hypertrophy, HFrEF and HFpEF. Iron deficiency anemia IDA is more prevalent in females and has a greater influence on left ventricular mass. Severe IDA leads to increased left ventricular mass with eccentric hypertrophy more common. Echocardiography shows hemodynamic changes associated with IDA which improves oxygen delivery. Severe IDA causes high heart rate and stroke volume leading to increased cardiac output. Anemia and systolic blood pressure are the most modifiable risk factors for LV hypertrophy.

Background: Anemia is the most common extraintestinal complication of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), significantly impairing patients' quality of life. It arises from a complex interplay of iron deficiency (ID), chronic inflammation, and micronutrient deficiencies. The prevalence and characteristics of anemia can vary based on disease type, activity, and patient population. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia, characterize its subtypes, and identify associated clinical and biochemical risk factors in a cohort of IBD patients at a tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 adult patients (130 with Crohn's disease [CD], 120 with Ulcerative Colitis [UC]) diagnosed with IBD. Data on demographics, disease characteristics, and laboratory parameters including complete blood count, iron studies (ferritin, transferrin saturation [TSAT]), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were extracted from electronic medical records. Anemia was defined by WHO criteria (hemoglobin <13 g/dL for men, <12 g/dL for women). Anemia subtypes were classified as iron deficiency anemia (IDA), anemia of chronic disease (ACD), or mixed-type. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 40.0% (100/250). Anemia was significantly more prevalent in patients with CD (47.7%) than in UC (31.7%; p=0.012). Anemic patients had a longer disease duration (8.9 ± 4.1 vs. 6.2 ± 3.5 years; p<0.001) and higher mean CRP levels (25.4 ± 12.1 mg/L vs. 8.2 ± 4.5 mg/L; p<0.001) compared to non-anemic patients. Among anemic patients, IDA was the most common subtype (55.0%), followed by mixed-type anemia (25.0%) and ACD (20.0%). Patients with active disease had a significantly higher prevalence of anemia compared to those in remission (65.8% vs. 21.3%; p<0.001). Conclusion: Anemia remains a significant burden in our IBD population, particularly among patients with Crohn's disease and active inflammation. Iron deficiency is the primary driver, but a substantial proportion of patients exhibit features of mixed or inflammatory-driven anemia. These findings underscore the necessity of routine screening and a comprehensive diagnostic approach that considers both iron status and inflammatory activity to guide appropriate management.

Background: Anemia is a common comorbidity in hospitalized patients, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The two most frequent types are anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Distinguishing between them is crucial for appropriate management, yet their comparative prevalence and impact on clinical outcomes in a general inpatient population remain poorly characterized. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of adult patients admitted to a tertiary academic medical center. Patients with anemia (hemoglobin <13 g/dL for men, <12 g/dL for women) who had complete iron studies and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were included. Patients were categorized into ACD (ferritin >100 ng/mL, transferrin saturation [TSAT] <20%, CRP >5 mg/L) or IDA (ferritin <30 ng/mL, or ferritin 30–100 ng/mL with TSAT <20%). Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Of 482 eligible anemic patients, 221 (45.8%) were classified as having ACD and 145 (30.1%) as having IDA. The remaining patients had mixed or other anemia types. Patients with ACD were significantly older (68.4 ± 12.1 vs. 55.2 ± 15.8 years, p<0.001) and had a higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (4.8 ± 1.9 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5, p<0.001). Compared to the IDA group, the ACD group experienced a significantly longer mean hospital LOS (8.2 ± 4.5 vs. 6.1 ± 3.3 days, p<0.001), a higher 30-day readmission rate (24.9% vs. 15.2%, p=0.028), and greater in-hospital mortality (8.1% vs. 3.4%, p=0.045). Conclusion: In this hospitalized cohort, ACD was more prevalent than IDA and was associated with significantly poorer clinical outcomes, including longer hospitalizations, higher readmission rates, and increased mortality. These findings suggest that ACD is not merely a benign laboratory finding but a marker of severe underlying disease, highlighting the importance of its accurate diagnosis and the management of the associated inflammatory condition

Background: Anemia represents a major public health challenge in children, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, where iron deficiency anemia (IDA) predominates among microcytic hypochromic anemias. This cross-sectional study at Maheshwara Medical College Hospital evaluated the Mentzer Index (MI = MCV/RBC count; >13 indicative of IDA) as a screening tool for IDA against serum ferritin (<15 ng/mL) as the gold standard in 100 anemic children aged 1-14 years, excluding those with recent transfusions, iron therapy, or blood loss. Most participants (66%) were 5-11 years old, 58% male, and from lower socioeconomic groups, with moderate anemia prevalent (78%). Hematological findings included mean hemoglobin of 9.28 g/dL, MCV of 64.40 fL, and serum ferritin of 55.30 ng/mL; 52% had low ferritin, and 85% showed MI >13. MI demonstrated high sensitivity (92.31%, 95% CI: 81.46-97.86) but low specificity (26.92%, 95% CI: 12.03-37.31), with positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.47% and accuracy of 59.00%; ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.635 (p=0.028). Significant associations emerged between MI and serum ferritin (p=0.033), age, and anemia severity. Compared to other studies, MI's sensitivity aligns with high-detection reports (e.g., 95.24% in Ahmed et al.), but specificity varied due to thalassemia trait overlap. These results affirm MI as a cost-effective initial screener for IDA in resource-limited pediatric settings, though confirmatory tests like ferritin are essential owing to suboptimal specificity. Routine integration could enhance early intervention amid India's 67% anemia prevalence (NFHS-5), curbing growth and cognitive impairments.

Background:  Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) , utmost  established  nutritional deficiency disorder and primary causative factor  of anemia specifically in developing countries . As far as with high prevalence, there is no standard definition of anemia but as per the WHO determines  hemoglobin <11  g/dL is considered as Anemia .  Among this 50% of anemia is only  due to the iron deficit .But the  Prevalence of  IDA among females after puberty because of menstrual bleeding  and further after marriage, predominantly they suffer with severe iron deficiency during  period of pregnancy . IDA in men might be  considered as red flag for the possible presence of serious  inflammatory disease, and  considerable proportion of asymptomatic gastric issues , colorectal diseases and precancerous lesions . So  in the present  study we focused on especially oxidative stress parameters and their imbalance in Iron deficiency anemia. Objectives: The present study focused to estimate Malondialdehyde   , total antioxidant capacity levels in IDA patients compared with healthy volunteers, and to find out their association with hemoglobin levels.   Materials and methods: Fifty IDA patients with  all the age groups of  men and women  were selected and 50 healthy age matched subjects were selected as controls. Serum Total antioxidant capacity & MDA were estimated by spectrophotometric methods and Hb and other complete blood picture analysis carried out by Hematology Analyzer. Results:  MDA  levels were significantly increased in IDA patients compared with healthy controls .  TAC and Hemoglobin  values are significantly decreased in IDA patients. Hemoglobin levels positively correlated with TAC, and negatively  correlated with MDA .  Conclusion:  Total antioxidant capacity  , lipid peroxidation  vital risk factor responsible for increased oxidative stress in IDA patients.  Regular monitoring and supplementation of iron and other multivitamins are beneficial for reduction of oxidative stress and to reduce  iron deficiency  anemia complications.

Introduction: Anemia is a frequent laboratory abnormality with diverse etiologies. Correlating clinical features with hematological patterns helps in targeted diagnosis and resource-appropriate work-up. From a pathology perspective, anemia is not a single disease but a laboratory phenotype that must be interpreted in the context of red cell morphology, indices, and the patient’s clinical profile. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care pathology laboratory over 12 months. Consecutive patients with anemia (Hb <13 g/dL in males, <12 g/dL in females) underwent clinical evaluation and hematological work-up including CBC with indices, peripheral smear, reticulocyte count, iron profile, vitamin B12/folate (when indicated), renal function, inflammatory markers, and Hb electrophoresis/HPLC (selected cases). Morphological patterns were categorized by MCV and smear. Etiology was assigned using standard laboratory criteria and clinico-radiological correlation. Results: Among 300 anemic patients, the commonest pattern was microcytic hypochromic anemia (46.0%), followed by normocytic normochromic (38.0%), macrocytic (12.0%), and dimorphic (4.0%). Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was the leading etiology (44.0%), followed by anemia of inflammation/chronic disease (AI/ACD) (24.0%), megaloblastic anemia (14.0%), hemoglobinopathies (8.0%), chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related anemia (6.0%), and others (4.0%). Microcytosis strongly correlated with low ferritin and low transferrin saturation, while macrocytosis correlated with low B12/folate. Conclusion: Morphological typing with CBC indices and smear, combined with focused biochemistry, provides high-yield etiological classification in tertiary care. IDA and AI/ACD remain the major contributors and require systematic evaluation for underlying sources such as nutritional deficiency, chronic inflammation, and occult blood loss.

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy remains a major public health problem and is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Oral iron therapy is frequently limited by poor gastrointestinal tolerance and inadequate absorption. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a newer intravenous iron formulation that permits rapid, high-dose iron replacement with a favorable safety profile. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxy maltose in pregnant women with iron deficiency-associated moderate anemia, with particular emphasis on changes in hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Methods: This prospective interventional study included 120 pregnant women (14–28 weeks’ gestation) diagnosed with iron deficiency (serum ferritin <15 µg/L) and moderate anemia (Hb 7–9.9 g/dL) as defined by World Health Organisation (WHO). Participants received weight-adjusted intravenous ferric carboxymaltose. Hematological parameters were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks post-infusion. Results: Mean hemoglobin increased significantly from 8.02 ± 0.55 g/dL at baseline to 13.8 ± 0.6 g/dL at 6 weeks and 12.9 ± 0.5 g/dL at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Serum ferritin rose from 9.8 ± 2.5 µg/L to 136.2 ± 18.4 µg/L at 6 weeks and remained elevated at 124.6 ± 16.9 µg/L at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in MCV (71.8 ± 3.6 fl to 89.9 ± 3.1 fl) and MCH (23.7 ± 1.8 pg to 30.1 ± 1.6 pg) at 12 weeks (p < 0.01). No serious adverse reactions were reported. Conclusion: Ferric carboxymaltose is a safe and highly effective therapy for rapid correction of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy, resulting in sustained improvement of hemoglobin, iron stores, and red cell indices.