IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND BREATH HOLDING SPELLS IN CHILDREN- A CORRELATION STUDY AT CHILDREN HOSPITAL FAISALABAD.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: -

Introduction:

            Breath-holding spells are common, non-epileptic episodes in children aged 6 to 60 months, often triggered by crying or pain, with a high prevalence of associated iron deficiency anemia requiring routine screening. This study aims to determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with breath-holding spells locally, providing treatment with affordable iron supplements to reduce parental anxiety and unnecessary medical visits.

Objective:

To determine the frequency of iron deficiency in children presenting with breath-holding spells.

Settings:

OPD of Pediatric Medicine unit of Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health Faisalabad.

Study Design:

Descriptive Cross sectional study design.

Duration:

Minimum of six months, after approval of synopsis.

From: December, 2023 to June 2024

Methodology:

            The study commenced with approval from the Institutional Ethical Review Committee and CPSP. Informed consent was obtained from parents. Patients with breath-holding spells were evaluated through history, physical examination, and blood samples for iron deficiency diagnosis, with data recorded systematically.

Results:

            The age distribution shows 59.4% of patients aged 6-36 months and 40.6% aged 37-60 months. Males comprise 63.5%, and females 36.5%. The mean weight is 13.29 kg. Mean spell duration is 37.80 seconds. Mean ferritin level is 14.42 µg/dL, and mean iron level is 54.11 µg/dL. Fifty-one percent of patients have iron deficiency anemia.

Conclusion:

Our study found a significant prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children with breath-holding spells, highlighting the need for routine screening and iron supplementation to reduce the frequency and severity of these spells.

Keywords:

Breath-holding spells, Iron deficiency anemia, Ferritin levels, Serum iron.