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Policy statement on iron deficiency in pre-school-aged children.
- Source :
-
Journal of paediatrics and child health [J Paediatr Child Health] 2007 Jul-Aug; Vol. 43 (7-8), pp. 513-21. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Aim: We aimed to develop policy in relation to three areas: (i) the diagnosis of iron deficiency; (ii) maternal-infant issues and the prevention of iron deficiency; and (iii) the treatment of iron deficiency.<br />Methods: Within each of these topic areas we completed a literature review and developed recommendations to help direct activities of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, update paediatricians and guide clinical practice.<br />Results: Iron deficiency can be defined using cut-off values for laboratory measures of iron status or, if an intercurrent infection is not present, by demonstrating a response to a therapeutic trial of iron. The appropriate measures of iron status vary depending upon the presence of intercurrent infection. Full-term babies are born with iron stores sufficient to meet their needs to age 4-6 months but premature infants are not. After age 6 months infants are dependent upon dietary iron from complementary foods even with continued breastfeeding. Infants <33 weeks gestation or <1800 g birthweight should receive iron from 4 weeks of age. In most settings recommended treatment of iron deficiency is with oral ferrous sulphate as a single or twice daily dose of between 3 and 6 mg/kg/day.<br />Conclusions: Iron deficiency is prevalent and an important determinant of child health. Precise and accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Iron supplementation is required for premature and low-birthweight infants. Oral iron salts remain the recommended treatment of choice in most instances.
- Subjects :
- Australia
Child, Preschool
Female
Ferrous Compounds therapeutic use
Humans
Infant
Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Infant, Newborn
Iron, Dietary administration & dosage
Male
New Zealand
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency blood
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency diet therapy
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency prevention & control
Health Policy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1034-4810
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 7-8
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of paediatrics and child health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17635678
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01128.x