European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL COMMUNITY OF CHIDAMBARAM, CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU

Abilash SC*, Shreelakshmidevi S, Balamuruganvelu S, Krishnaswamy B

sehejan@gmail.com

Anemia, Haemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Red Cell Distribution Width.

Nutritional anemia is a recognized health problem throughout the world, mostly in developing countries. In India, anemia is widely prevalent which affects both sexes and all age groups. In the present study a baseline haematological survey was conducted among school children attending Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram. Objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of anemia among school children aged 6 to 12 years and its comparison in both the sexes. A total number of 150 children attended Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital were included in the present study. Venous blood samples were collected by vein puncture. All samples were analysed for haemoglobin, Haematocrit, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) & Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) in an automated cell counter. Anemia was diagnosed when haemoglobin less than 12g/dl for children of aged more than 6 years. In the present study 99/150 cases were found to be anemic as per WHO definition of anemia. The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 66%. Girls had a slightly higher prevalence 56(71.79%) when compared to boys 43(59.72%). 75children (50%) had mild degree of anemia followed by moderate degree 21(14%), only 2% of children showed severe degree of anemia. Reduced Haematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC were noticed in 42%, 54%, 44.67% and 40 & respectively. Increased RDW was noticed in 52% of the cases. 60/99 (60.6%) of anemic children showed microcytic heterogenous type of anemia, which is possibly due to iron deficiency. From the result it was concluded that, haemoglobin concentration below 12.0g/dl in school age group (between 6 – 12 yrs) was found to be an effective screening test for selecting patients for further evaluation. A significant correlation was observed between Hemoglobin, Haematocrit, MCV, MCH and RDW..