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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Anemia In A Child

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Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014
Question: dear doctor ,
as i already send you query regarding my son aged 11 years boy has chronic anemia on elemental iron
100mg od with vit c 500mg od for 6-9 months a years , still his hb is 10.4 gm/dl, other iron studies ,alpha ,beta thal were under normal,
i came to know there is supplement called lactoferrin helps for the patient who are not responding to
iron supplements, i have purchased lactoferrin 250mg cap's ,please inform me whether it can help my child to correcting anemia and dosage
bye
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Chronic anaemia

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX

It is a good news that your son is not thalasemic, I am sure by your history he is not having thalasemic trait also as vit c and iron are given to such patients.

Hemoglobin of 10Gm/dl is not bad. However the type of anemia needs to be established. Some times it is due to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, some times worm infestation is the cause. Sometimes there are small amounts of internal bleeds. I hope hemoglobin electrophoresis has been done on your son.

Lactoferin and vit.C will maintain the hemoglobin and will not permit it to fall. At Hb of 10 gm/dl 250mg is good maintainance dose. If blood examination suggests megaloblastic picture then Vit. B12 and Folic Acid is necessary to correct the anaemia. Discuss with his doctor about his anemia typing.

Truly,
Dr. J. Ticku
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (2 hours later)
Sir
Thanks for your response doctor,
Smear study shows hypochromic, microcytic anemia,
Mcv 71,
B12 and folic acid are within normal values,

Albendazole + ivermectin once in 3 months,
Stool occult test negative

Please advice for further
doctor
Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Iron defficiency anaemia

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX
Thanks for reverting.
So it is established that your son is iron deficient. This can be either nutritional deficiency or poor absorption from the Gastrointestinal tract which has also many causes. For the present it is good that he is on supplemental iron which has maintained his hemoglobin. But to rule out the possibility of GIT problem a gastroenterologists advice should also be sought. Though nothing concrete will be advised but at least a problem of GIT will be excluded.
Truly.
Dr. J. Ticku
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku

Oncologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 489 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Anemia In A Child

Brief Answer: Chronic anaemia Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX It is a good news that your son is not thalasemic, I am sure by your history he is not having thalasemic trait also as vit c and iron are given to such patients. Hemoglobin of 10Gm/dl is not bad. However the type of anemia needs to be established. Some times it is due to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, some times worm infestation is the cause. Sometimes there are small amounts of internal bleeds. I hope hemoglobin electrophoresis has been done on your son. Lactoferin and vit.C will maintain the hemoglobin and will not permit it to fall. At Hb of 10 gm/dl 250mg is good maintainance dose. If blood examination suggests megaloblastic picture then Vit. B12 and Folic Acid is necessary to correct the anaemia. Discuss with his doctor about his anemia typing. Truly, Dr. J. Ticku