Platelets abnormalities in children with iron deficiency anemia

Introduction Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, responsible for ill health, lost productivity, and premature death. Iron deficiency may lead to reactive thrombocytosis and rarely thrombocytopenia. Participants and methods This study included 115 children with iron-deficiency anemia attending Assiut University Children Hospital, Hematology Unit, from the June 1, 2017, to the June 1, 2018. Their age ranges from 2 to 5 years. Moreover, 55 apparently healthy children with the same age group were included as a control group. All patients and controls were subjected to meticulous history taking, thorough clinical examination, hematological study, as well as stool and urine examination. Results The mean platelet count in our patients was significantly higher than in controls. Thrombocytopenia was noticed in one patient. Results were discussed in the light of available literatures. Conclusion Reactive thrombocytosis is the most frequent platelet abnormality associated with iron-deficiency anemia. The mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, platelet large cell count, and platelet large cell ratio estimate indirectly platelet activity.