Question

What are the potential dangers of severe iron deficiency anemia in an infant with a hemoglobin level of 59 in the pediatric department?

Answer

Severe iron deficiency anemia in infants may lead to the following dangers:

  1. Impact on Growth and Development: Severe anemia can lead to stunted growth in infants, affecting digestion and consequently impacting height and weight development. 2.Brain Development Impact: Infants with anemia may experience brain hypoxia, affecting brain development, potentially leading to delayed responses, lack of concentration, and intellectual development below average.
  2. Low Immunity: Infants with anemia may have weakened immunity, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, due to the inability of blood to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, pale complexion, and dizziness may occur.