A Study of Severe Anaemia in Children in a Tertiary Health Care Institute

Anaemia, characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin, remains a significant global health concern, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children. This study explores the broader landscape of severe anaemia in paediatric patients, focusing on a tertiary healthcare institute. Understanding the prevalence, contributing factors, and treatment outcomes is crucial for informing targeted interventions and improving the overall health outcomes of children grappling with this condition. Methodology: This study investigated severe anaemia in paediatric patients admitted to Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad, Pakistan, spanning 2018-2022. Our research involved demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, treatment modalities, and etiological contributors. Examining records of 180 children (0-12 years) with confirmed severe anaemia, the study employed statistical analyses (t-tests, ANOVA, regression) and considers ethical guidelines. Data encompass patient demographics, clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment modalities. Results: The mean age of participants is 7.5 years, reflecting a diverse age distribution. Clinical analysis identifies pre-existing chronic illnesses (16.7%), genetic disorders (8.3%), and malnutrition (13.9%). Compliance with iron supplementation is notable at 61.1%. Statistical tests reveal significant differences in haemoglobin levels and red blood cell indices among subgroups. Correlation analysis indicates a positive correlation (0.35) between iron studies and other variables. Multiple linear regression predicts haemoglobin levels (R-squared = 0.45) using vitamin B12 and folate. Etiological assessment unveils a multifactorial landscape with haematological disorders (40%), nutritional deficiencies (30%), infectious diseases (15%), and socioeconomic factors (20%) playing significant roles. Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive understanding of severe anaemia in paediatric patients, emphasizing demographic diversity, clinical intricacies, and multifactorial etiology. Treatment modalities, statistical analyses, and ethical considerations enrich the findings, offering valuable insights for tailored interventions and improved patient care.