Iron Status in Preschool Children with Normal Hemoglobin, Egypt

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) anemia remains a common cause of anemia in young children. However, the more significant than anemia itself is the ID without anemia that also adversely affect neurocognitive development and unfortunately some of these effects may be irreversible. AIM: This study is a cross-sectional study aimed to asses iron status in preschool children with normal hemoglobin (Hgb) level attending Assiut University Children Hospital. METHODS: The cross-sectional study including 68 apparently healthy children aged 1–6 years old during the period from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015, They were subjected to detailed history, physical examination, and the following laboratory investigations: Complete blood count, Serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Serum ferritin, and Transferrin saturation. RESULTS: Low serum ferritin and low transferrin saturation were detected in 41.2% and 47% respectively of our studied children who have normal Hgb levels. CONCLUSION: Normal Hgb doesn’t exclude ID that should be screened in healthy children to prevent the possible long-term effects of ID on their cognation and mental development.