Prevalence and Patterns of Iron Deficiency in Pediatric Beta Thalassemia Trait: Diagnostic Challenges in Overlapping Conditions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and beta thalassemia trait (BTT) are common causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia in children, but their coexistence poses diagnostic challenges.Overlapping hematological features may lead to misclassification, delaying targeted management.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of iron deficiency in pediatric patients with BTT.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Thalassemia and DNA laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to July 2025.A total of 155 children aged 6 months to 12 years with microcytic anemia were enrolled.Patients with chronic illness, recent blood transfusion, or acute infection were excluded.Hematological parameters were measured using an automated hematology analyzer, while iron status was assessed by serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin.Hemoglobin electrophoresis was performed to detect BTT (HbA₂ ≥3.5% and HbF<10%).Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.Results: The mean age was 2.1 ± 1.8 years, with male predominance (65.8%).The mean hemoglobin was 7.2 ± 1.3 g/dL and red cell indices showed microcytic hypochromic anemia.Ferritin levels indicated iron deficiency in 50.3% (n = 78), while 49.7% had normal iron stores.BTT was present in 4.5% (n = 7) of cases.Both ID and BTT contributed significantly to microcytic hypochromic anemia in this cohort.Conclusion: Iron deficiency is highly prevalent among children with microcytic hypochromic anemia and a small proportion has beta thalassemia trait.Accurate differentiation between these conditions is crucial for appropriate management and genetic counseling.
Authors: Salma Sadiya, Alamgir Ahmed, Delara Sultana, Md. Masud Rana, Md. Abdul Aziz, Rowshon Zahan Luna, Md. Anarul Islam
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414573140
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