FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN CHILDREN WITH BREATH HOLDING SPELLS

Background: Objective: Breath-holding spells occur in childhood up to 4 years of age more common among 6 - 18 months children. Some reports suggest that these episodes can occur even later. Almost 5% of the pediatric population might demonstrate such episodes. Breath holding spells have also been associated with iron deficiency anemia. Study Design: Cross sectional study Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with breath holding spells. Place and duration of study: Pediatric Department, Allied Hospital Faisalabad (December 2016 to May 2017) Patient & Methods: After taking approval of ethical review committee, 95 cases of age 6 to 60 months attending the pediatric outdoor with breath holding spells fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study, with informed written consent from parents/guardians. Exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Patients included in the study were thoroughly evaluated by taking detailed history and examination. About 3cc blood was drawn for complete blood count and serum ferritin level and sent to the hospital laboratory. Iron deficiency anemia was assessed as per my operational definition. Results: In this study, 61% (n=58) were between 6-36 months of age whereas 39%(n=37) were between 37-60 months of age, mean +/- SD was calculated as 38.74 +/- 11.98 months; 59%(n=56) were male and 41%(n=39) were females, frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with breath holding spells was recorded as 51.6%(n=49) and was absent in 48.4%(n=46). Conclusion: The frequency of iron deficiency anemia is higher in children with breath holding spells and effective treatment of these children is also easily available and cheap through iron supplements, thus reducing the anxiety of the parents.