IMPACT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA ON IMMUNE FUNCTION, INFECTION SUSCEPTIBILITY, AND THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE TO IRON SUPPLEMENTATION IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A CLINIC-COMMUNITY BASED STUDY
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Keywords
Iron deficiency anemia; Immune function; Infection susceptibility; Iron supplementation; School-age children; Hemoglobin; Serum ferritin; Immunoglobulins; Nutritional deficiency; Pediatric anemia.
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency in children and is linked to reduced immune response and increased risk of infections. It has a wide range of consequences beyond blood disorders, including growth, development and health.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of iron deficiency anemia on immune function, infection susceptibility, and therapeutic response to iron supplementation in school-age children.
Methods: This was a clinic-community based cross-sectional study, conducted at Pak International Medical College between January 2024 and January 2025. Seventy-two children between the ages of 6-14 years with iron deficiency anemia were recruited by non-probability consecutive sampling. Clinical, laboratory and demographic information was gathered. Blood indices, iron indices and immune indices (leukocyte count and immunoglobulin levels) were measured. The children were given oral iron supplements for three months, and changes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 (p ≤ 0.05) was considered significant.
Results: The mean age was 9.8 ± 2.1 years, with a male predominance (55.6%). Most children had moderate anemia (54.2%) and inadequate dietary iron intake (68.1%). Recurrent infections were observed in 66.7% of participants, predominantly respiratory infections. Significant alterations in immune parameters were noted. A strong association was found between anemia severity and infection frequency (p < 0.001). Following iron supplementation, significant improvements were observed in hemoglobin, ferritin, immune markers, and reduction in infection episodes (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia adversely affects immune function and increases infection susceptibility in children. Iron supplementation significantly improves both hematological and clinical outcomes, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
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Aneeqah Din Muhammad
Senior Registrar, Department of General Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Hafsa Tariq
MPhil Hematology, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Juneda Sarfraz
Associate Professor, Department of Public Health, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Gulshan Munir
Demonstrator, Department of Pathology, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan
Rabia Kiran
Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Sidra Irshad
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Mohammad College of Medicine, Peshawar, Pakistan
