Abstract
Anemia is a serious health problem among infants and children. Though iron deficiency is defined as one of the main causes of anemia, this type of deficiency may lead to a number of different cognitive diseases and neurodevelopmental problems. Subramaniam and Girish (2015) introduce the article where they discuss the peculiarities of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children and the promotion of different measures that can be used to decrease the level of problems and offer therapies that may help children and their families to deal with the diseases caused by iron deficiency. In the chosen journal article, the authors justify the chosen therapies and explain the reasons for the lack of response to the offered therapy using different theories and observations from the 1990s-2000s.
Background
The peculiar feature of research offered by Subramaniam and Girish (2015) is the idea not to consider anemia as a diagnosis, but as a manifestation of many diseases, including IDA. At the same time, IDA may not be a complete diagnosis, but a sign that has to be taken into consideration for diagnosing microcytic or hypochromic anemia. It is necessary to understand that infants and children are under a threat of having iron anemia because of the peculiarities of their diets and the necessity to eat products to complete a 30% daily iron need. Up to four months, children cannot get the required portion of iron. If neonatal reserves are not enough to cover the need, the concentration of hemoglobin declines and causes changes in the work of an organism.
Methods
To discuss the problem of iron deficiency in infants and children, the authors use a systematic review of different sources and create several important subjects to cover the chosen topic. The authors investigate the opinions of different researchers on an existing variety of diagnosis for children and use the results of tests used to diagnose different stages of IDA. Taking into consideration the symptoms and diagnoses, the authors discuss several appropriate treatments, including iron therapy, dietary changes, and constant lab monitoring. The analysis of the details and the possibility to create own conclusions are the strong methodological aspects of the chosen article.
Results
The results of the study developed by Subramaniam and Girish (2015) are based on the idea that iron deficiency anemia can be prevented in children and infants. There are several non-pharmacological interventions that may be used by doctors to prevent the development of iron deficiency. For example, it is possible to delay the process of clamping of cord at birth. Sometimes, it is enough to wait another minute after birth and get certain benefits. Another suggestion that is offered is to use iron pots for cooking and avoid bottles for feeding. Finally, even the consumption of milk has to be measured to decrease the level of hemoglobin. In addition to non- pharmacological ideas, the authors develop several pharmacological measures to prevent IDA, including elemental iron in a dosage of 12.5 mg (Subramaniam & Girish, 2015).
Conclusions
In general, the work of Subramaniam and Girish (2015) helps to clarify the peculiar features of iron deficiency in infants and children and comprehend that the prevention of this health problem is possible in case certain pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures are taken. The literature review and personal conclusions create a solid basis for the development of new preventive programs for children from developed and developing countries.
Reference
Subramaniam, G., & Girish, M. (2015). Iron deficiency anemia in children. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 82(6), 558-564. Web.