Demographic Characteristics and Low Iron Status Markers Are Associated with Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia among Children Living at High Elevation in Cusco, Peru.
Am J Trop Med Hyg
; 110(5): 1014-1020, 2024 May 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38531100
ABSTRACT
Anemia is a complex condition associated with diet, chronic infections, and blood loss. Children living at high altitudes have higher absolute hemoglobin levels due to hypoxemia. However, they are exposed to repeated infections and dietary limitations. We conducted a cross-sectional study to identify factors affecting the hemoglobin concentration in children living in high-altitude rural communities in the Anta province of Peru. All children 3-16 years of age attending public schools were invited to participate. We enrolled children 3-16 years old in schools and visited their homes to collect demographic, socioeconomic, medical history, and anthropometric data. Children provided blood and stool samples for complete blood counts, iron status markers, and helminth infection testing. Among the 2,000 children enrolled, the mean age was 9.9 (±3.4) years, 1,004 (50.2%) were female, and the median residence altitude was 3,398 (interquartile range 3,35-3,497) meters. The mean hemoglobin level was 15 (±1.15) mg/dL; 320 (16%) had anemia as defined by WHO. Children with anemia were more likely to have lower serum iron levels (odds ratio [OR] 2.8 [95% CI 2.2-3.6], P <0.001) and serum transferrin saturation (OR 2.8 [95% CI 2-3.9], P <0.001). Younger age (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.82-0.89], P <0.001), stunting (OR 0.68 [95% CI 0.59-0.79], P <0.001), education of the mother (OR 0.94 [95% CI 0.91-0.98], P <0.005), and low eosinophils (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.26-0.9], P = 0.022) were associated with anemia. Helminth infections were not associated with anemia. Anemia among children at high altitude is multifactorial, but iron deficiency is a contributing factor. Further studies are needed to evaluate iron status and anemia in children living at high altitudes.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Hemoglobinas
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Altitud
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Hierro
Límite:
Adolescent
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Male
País/Región como asunto:
America do sul
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Peru
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Trop Med Hyg
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article