Contributions
Abstract: PB1902
Type: Publication Only
Background
Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of anemia among school-aged children from Cambodia, ranging from 21 to 64%. Although iron deficiency accounts for the majority of cases, additional nutritional and non-nutritional etiologies have been identified. Children living in rural or remote areas, with limited access to health facilities, are at high-risk of developing anemia, and therefore, painless, fast, and reduced cost screening tests are needed.
Aims
The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of a portable device for transcutaneous noninvasive spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) in children living in remote locations
Methods
Transcutaneous noninvasive spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) was performed in children attending summer-school camps at 12 different locations in Cambodia. SpHb was measured in fingertips by using size adapted optic sensors. For the purpose of the study, three age groups were defined as follows: Group 1= less than 5 years, group 2 = 5 to 11 years, and group 3= 11 to 14 years.
Results
A total of 476 otherwise healthy children were analyzed. Mean SpHb value was 11.9 ±0.93 gr/dl (range 9-16 gr/dl). Overall, the prevalence of anemia in the entire population was 34.5%. Anemia was present in 5/31 (16.1%) of the children within group 1, 97/189 (33,9%) in group 2, and 54/81 (40%) in group 3. (p=0.039, two sided Pearson’s Chi square). There were no differences in the prevalence of anemia by gender in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, anemia was significantly more prevalent in females 32/65 (49,2%) than in males 22/48 (31,4%), p=0.035
Conclusion
Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasive transcutaneous spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) for the screening of anemia in children from remote rural areas with limited access to health services. Our results also confirm the high prevalence of anemia in this population.
Session topic: 28. Iron metabolism, deficiency and overload
Keyword(s): Hemoglobin, Anemia
Abstract: PB1902
Type: Publication Only
Background
Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of anemia among school-aged children from Cambodia, ranging from 21 to 64%. Although iron deficiency accounts for the majority of cases, additional nutritional and non-nutritional etiologies have been identified. Children living in rural or remote areas, with limited access to health facilities, are at high-risk of developing anemia, and therefore, painless, fast, and reduced cost screening tests are needed.
Aims
The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of a portable device for transcutaneous noninvasive spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) in children living in remote locations
Methods
Transcutaneous noninvasive spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) was performed in children attending summer-school camps at 12 different locations in Cambodia. SpHb was measured in fingertips by using size adapted optic sensors. For the purpose of the study, three age groups were defined as follows: Group 1= less than 5 years, group 2 = 5 to 11 years, and group 3= 11 to 14 years.
Results
A total of 476 otherwise healthy children were analyzed. Mean SpHb value was 11.9 ±0.93 gr/dl (range 9-16 gr/dl). Overall, the prevalence of anemia in the entire population was 34.5%. Anemia was present in 5/31 (16.1%) of the children within group 1, 97/189 (33,9%) in group 2, and 54/81 (40%) in group 3. (p=0.039, two sided Pearson’s Chi square). There were no differences in the prevalence of anemia by gender in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, anemia was significantly more prevalent in females 32/65 (49,2%) than in males 22/48 (31,4%), p=0.035
Conclusion
Taken together, our results demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasive transcutaneous spot-checking of total hemoglobin (SpHb) for the screening of anemia in children from remote rural areas with limited access to health services. Our results also confirm the high prevalence of anemia in this population.
Session topic: 28. Iron metabolism, deficiency and overload
Keyword(s): Hemoglobin, Anemia