Correlations Between Environmental Enteropathy and Anemia in Pediatric Patients Under Five Years: An Investigation of Lead Exposure

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia and elevated blood lead levels (BPb) can have substantial health implications for young children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these conditions among children aged 1 to 5 years attending a daycare center within a pediatric unit. A total of 360 children of varying genders underwent anemia screening, with 230 testing positive and 137 testing negative. Among the anemic children, the severity of anemia was classified as mild and severe based on hemoglobin levels, while non-anemic children constituted the reference group. The findings indicated that anemic children exhibited higher mean BPb values compared to non-anemic children. The prevalence of BPb levels exceeding 100 µg/L was 60% among non-anemic children, 54% among severe anemic children, and 49% among severe anemic children with BPb levels below 200 µg/L. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between BPb levels and hemoglobin and iron levels in anemic children. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between BPb levels and the age of children of both genders. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant association between BPb levels and key blood parameters, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for lead intoxication and iron-deficient anemia. Future research in this field should focus on elucidating the causal relationships and exploring intervention strategies to reduce lead exposure and prevent iron-deficient anemia in pediatric populations.