Microcytic anemia in Babolian 14-18 years old girls, 1998

Abstract

Objective: Anemia usually indicates reduction of blood hemoglobin. Anemics commonly develop irritability, concentration and sleep impairment and disturbed daily activities. This is important for teenage girls, which may lead to learning disorders. Microcytic anemia is the most prevalent anemia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on 480, 14-18 years old girl students of Babol selected randomly. CBC, Iron, TIBC, Ferritin test and electrophoresis was performed on blood samples. Findings: 82 subjects (17.1%) had MCV lower than 80fl (Microcytosis). Of these, 41 students (50%) showed hemoglobin defects, 9 students (11%) iron deficiency anemia, 1 subject (1.2%) RBC membrane defects and 31 students (37.8%) idiopathic microcytic anemia. Conclusion: With respect to the high incidence of minor beta-thalassemia in Babol, it is suggested that more strict measures must be taken to identify the cause of idiopathic microcytic anemia (Such as alpha-thalassemia) and to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

Keywords

• anemia
• microcytic
• iron deficiency
• beta-thalassemia
• adolescent