Anemia in children

Anemia in children is commonly encountered by the family physician. Multipl e causes exist, but with a thorough history, a physical examination and lim ited laboratory evaluation a specific diagnosis can usually be established. The use of the mean corpuscular volume to classify the anemia as microcyti c, normocytic or macrocytic is a standard diagnostic approach. The most com mon form of microcytic anemia is iron deficiency caused by reduced dietary intake. It is easily treatable with supplemental iron and early interventio n may prevent later loss of cognitive function. Less common causes of micro cytosis are thalassemia and lead poisoning. Normocytic anemia has many caus es, making the diagnosis more difficult. The reticulocyte count will help n arrow the differential diagnosis; however, additional testing may be necess ary to rule out hemolysis, hemoglobinopathies, membrane defects and enzymop athies. Macrocytic anemia may be caused by a deficiency of folic acid and/o r vitamin B-12, hypothyroiclism and liver disease. This form of anemia is u ncommon in children.