Evaluation of pediatric anemia in rural population of Maharashtra, India

INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization showed that the prevalence of anemia among children of 6–59 months was 42.6% globally in 2011 and 59% in India. Fourth National Family Health Survey, 2016, shows 58.6% of Indian children are anemic, of which 53.8% are in Maharashtra, especially among rural children. AIMS: The aim of the study was to study the morphologic and cytometric evaluation of anemia in pediatric population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted after obtaining approval from the ethics committee. All patients that came to outpatient department and inpatient department between 2016 and 2018, satisfying the inclusion criteria were included. Routine investigations performed were hemoglobin estimation, blood indices, and peripheral blood smear examination. RESULTS: The total number of pediatric patients that were found to be anemic was 400 (54.9%). Toddlers, aged 6 months to 6 years, were most anemic (48.0%). Moderate severity of anemia was seen most frequently (50.5%). Microcytic hypochromic anemia (67.0%), iron deficiency anemia was the most common cause seen (65.2%). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of anemia in children is essential to be constantly monitored to identify causes, formation of intervention strategies, and ensure already formed national programs are effective.