Iron deficiency in childhood: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common blood disorder in children. This article has aimed to review the current state for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. In spite of the variety of laboratory test that provide us information on the diagnosis, this is still based on two fundamental cornerstones: hemoglobin and ferritin. However, in recent years other parameters that may provide valuable information in the cases having a complicated diagnosis have appeared. Oral treatment with iron is effective, safe and inexpensive, but should be applied correctly. When the response is poor, several possibilities need to be referred and it may be necessary to expand the diagnostic study in rder to exclude underlying pathologies. In recent years, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia has decreased in developed countries. This is partially due to the prevention strategies that are being carried out.