Iron deficiency anemia in infants aged 12-15 months in Ahwaz, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional problems in the world, especially in developing countries. Infants aged between 4 and 24 months are among the population groups that are most affected by iron deficiency (ID). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ID and IDA in infants aged 12-15 months, living in Ahwaz, southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six infants participated in the study. The mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin and hematocrit levels were measured. Anemia was defined when Hb < 11 g/dL and ID when ferritin < 12 microg/mL. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID and IDA was 31.7 and 26.2%, respectively. The tendency to have IDA in infants fed with cow's milk and infants who did not receive ferrous sulfate was higher than in the other subjects. CONCLUSION: ID and IDA are common among infants aged 12-15 months living in Ahwaz, Iran. Maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding up to the 4-6th month of life and iron supplementation for the target group is needed.

Prevalence of goiter among children aged 11-16 years in Ahwaz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ahwaz, Iran to find out the prevalence of goiter among schoolchildren ages 11-16 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Multistage sampling methodology was followed for selecting the study population. A total of 1,950 children (1,050 males, 900 females) were clinically assessed for thyroid gland enlargement. Data were collected on age, sex, weight, height, iodized salt consumption, family history of goiter, and thyroid size by palpation. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six of the 1,950 children showed various grades of goiter, giving a prevalence of overall goiter of 7.48%. Of the 146 persons with goiter, 46 (31.5%) were male and 100 (68.5%) were female. Prevalence of goiter among male and female students was 4.4 and 11.1%, respectively. Prevalence of grade 1, 2, and 3 goiters was 56.8% (83 cases), 37.7% (55 cases), and 5.5% (8 cases), respectively. A significant difference existed between height of students with grade 1 goiter and those with grade 2 and 3 goiter (p < 0.001). A significant difference also was found between weight of students with grade 1 goiter and students with grade 2 goiters (p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Ahwaz City is not an endemic area for iodine deficiency, probably because of its geographic location (the low altitude of sea level) or nutritional habits of its population (consumption of fish and iodized salt).

Comparison of iron and hematological indices in Giardia lamblia infection before and after treatment in 102 children in Ahwaz, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Up to now there have been few reports about hematological alterations induced by Giardia lamblia infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of giardiasis treatment on hematological indices in children in the Khuzestan area by comparing these indices before and after treatment with metronidazole. MATERIAL/METHODS: One hundred two children ranging in age from 5 to 11 years infected with Giardia lamblia between July 2002 and July 2003 and without histories of other diseases were selected from kindergartens and primary schools in the city of Ahwaz. Diagnosis was based on stool examination. The children were treated with metronidazole (15 mg/kg/day for 5 days); hematological values were determined immediately before treatment and repeated 40-45 days after beginning treatment and compared. RESULTS: Iron deficiency anemia was found in 26.5% of the Giardia-infected children. Mean serum hemoglobin, serum hematocrit, serum ferritin, and the ratio of serum iron to total iron-binding capacity were increased (P<0.0001) and mean red-cell distribution width and iron-binding capacity were decreased after treatment (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Treating giardiasis in children with metronidazole improves iron indices and it appears that in evaluating anemia one should rule out giardiasis and treat it in asymptomatic cases to aid in better health status in pediatrics.