Prevalence and Morphologic Pattern of Anemia in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition Treated in Jimma University Specialized Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is very common in severe acute malnutrition and multifactorial. It contributes for case fatality of severe acute malnutrition. But, the prevalence and types of anemia in malnourished children is not well established in the study area. Objective: To determine the prevalence and morphologic pattern of anemia in children with severe acute malnutrition, admitted to Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was employed among children aged 6-60 months with severe acute malnutrition (WFH<70% or MUAC<11cm and/or bilateral pitting edema) treated in Jimma University Specialized Hospital during May-July, 2014. Weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference were measured using digital weighing machine, measuring board and tape meter, respectively, and then compared and interpreted using NCHS and WHO growth curves. Additionally, complete blood count by automation method and peripheral red blood cell morphology microscopically using Wright staining procedure were determined on admission and haematocrit by microhematocrit procedure. The data were double entered using EpiData 3.1 & analysed by SPSS 16.0. One sample t-test for continues variables, Chi square for categorical variables and multinomial logistic regression were used to adjust confounders and check significance. Results: Fifty-two children, with median and IQR age, (19 months & 9-26 months) and 34 (65.4%) males, were included. Anemia(Hgb<11.0 g/dl) was found in 32 (61.5%) of the patients on admission. The commonest type of anemia on peripheral blood film was normocytic 18 (67.0%) and hypochromicity accounts for 34 (74%) of the patients. There was no difference inII the occurrence of anemia between edematous & non-edematous children at base line (61.5%vs 38.5%, p=0.16). Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent in severely malnourished under-five children admitted to Jimma University Specialized hospital. Normocytic anemia is the predominant type. Most of anemic patients have hypochromic red blood cells. Similar studies are recommended as the present study is based on small sample size.