A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE FREQUENCY OF ANEMIA AMONG CHILDREN PRESENTING WITH BREATH HOLDING SPELLS

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anemia among children presenting with breath holding spells.

Material and Methods: The design of this study was Cross-sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted at DHQ Hospital Sargodha and the duration of this study was from June 2020 to September 2020. 100 patients of Breath-holding spells were selected in a consecutive manner OPD and their hemoglobin level was determined.

Results: The mean age group of our sample was 2.6 + 1.4 years of which 61.3% were male and 34.3% were female children. The mean hemoglobin concentration was 8.6 + 1.9 gm/dl of blood and 37.9% of children were confirmed to have anemia.

Conclusion: There is a high incidence of iron deficiency anemia associated with breath holding spells. A full blood count and where possible serum ferritin level would therefore be warranted in the work up of these children.

KEYWORDS: Breath holding spells, iron, hemoglobin, anemia, ferritin