Incidence and treatment of hookworm anaemia

ABSTRACT

Over a period of 49 months, 135 children were admitted to San Fernando Hospital, Trinidad, because of anaemia associated with hookworm infestation. Eight of these patients died. In 66 children given iron-dextram complex intramuscularly, satisfactory rise in hemoglobin levels was noted. It is felt that a daily dose of 50 mgm. was adequate for most cases and that neither dosage beyond this level nor vitamin B12 supplements enhanced this response any further. The clinical management is discussed and it is noted in passing that the incidence of this disease is now one-eight of what it was 5 years ago (AU)