IRON-DEFICIENCY IN 1-YEAR-OLD TO 3-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN - A PEDIATRIC FAILURE

Objective: To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron def iciency anemia in children aged 1 to 3 years in an urban population. D esign: Venous blood was measured for levels of hemoglobin, ferritin, f ree erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and lead in children seen for well-chi ld visits. Children with histories of chronic illness, prematurity, bl ood dyscrasias, and acute illness were excluded. Setting: The private practice offices of 4 pediatricians in the New York City area. Patient s: A consecutive sample of 504 children aged 1 to 3 years was included .Results: More than one third (35%) of the children demonstrated evide nce of iron insufficiency; 7% were iron deficient without anemia, and 10% had iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Because the association of iron deficiency anemia with mental and psychomotor impairment during the first 2 years of life no longer seems to be in doubt, the high pre valence of iron deficiency anemia found in the 1- to 2-year-old childr en in this study is disturbing. This suggests the need for greater eff orts at the prevention of iron deficiency during the second year of li fe.