Justification of Universal Iron Supplementation for Infants 6-12 months in Regions with a High Prevalence of Thalassemia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Many clinicians hesitate to adopt a universal infant iron supplementation program due to the risk of increased iron absorption for those with thalassemia. We aimed to determine thalassemia prevalence in 6- to 12-month-old infants, along with the iron status of those with and without thalassemia.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of infants attending the Well Baby Clinic at Thammasat University Hospital for routine checkups. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, iron parameters, and molecular genetics for common α- and β-thalassemia were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 97 of 206 (47%) participants had thalassemia minor, the majority having Hb E traits. None had thalassemia intermedia or major. Familial history of anemia or th

SUBMITTER: Sinlapamongkolkul P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10497306 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature