A Descriptive Study to Evaluate Whether Iron Deficiency Anemia is Associated with Acute Bronchiolitis

Description

Abstract (English)

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether iron deficiency anemia is associated with acute
bronchiolitis
Material & Methods: This Cross-Sectional Analytical study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics,
Government Medical College Bettiah, West Champaran, Bihar, India from Dec 2018 to November 2019. A total
number of 200 patients were enrolled in the study and among them, 100 children with bronchiolitis were
considered as cases, and 100 healthy children without bronchiolitis were considered as control, who were matched
with age.
Results: Majority of the patients were in the age group between 13-18 months. The mean age was found
13.087±5.735 months in cases and 15.125±7.963 months in controls. The mean age difference was not significant
between the two groups (p>0.05). Male participants (65%) were the predominant group in the study and female
participants (35%). Exclusive breastfeeding was found in 39 cases and 64 controls respectively. The differences
were statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups in the chi-square test. Overcrowding was found in
76 cases and 60 controls respectively. There was a significant difference in Hb (gm/dl) between cases and controls
followed by MCV (fl) between cases and controls. The MCH (pg) level was statistically and significantly lower
in cases compared to controls; followed by MCHC (g/dl) which was statistically and significantly lower in
cases compared to controls. S. Iron (µg/dl) was statistically and significantly lower in cases compared to controls.
Transferrin Saturation (%) was statistically and significantly lower in cases compared to controls. RDW-CV (%)
was statistically and significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Among the 200 study subjects 80 cases
had anemia, followed by 60 controls had anemia. Their difference was statistically significant between the two
groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia has a significant association with bronchiolitis. A larger and more extensive
study was recommended.