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Anaemia, iron deficiency and susceptibility to infection in children in sub‐Saharan Africa, guideline dilemmas
Author(s) -
Jonker Femkje A.M.,
Poel Elodie,
Bates Imelda,
Boele van Hensbroek Michael
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.14593
Subject(s) - guideline , iron deficiency , medicine , pediatrics , environmental health , immunology , anemia , pathology
Globally, anaemia, iron deficiency and infections are responsible for a majority of the morbidity and mortality that occurs among children. As iron is essential for erythropoiesis and the human immune system, as well as a crucial element for many pathogens, these three conditions often interact. This article considers the question – have the studies conducted so far unravelled the potential complex interaction between these factors sufficiently enough to be able to develop universally applicable guidelines about iron treatment in children? It is possible, however, that the area is too complex and diverse, with many sub‐populations, and that not universal, but tailor‐made guidelines are needed based on some agreed principles.