Abstract

VEGA AMOZABEL, Nelson Alberto et al. Hemoglobin levels in children admitthed to the Hospital del Niño "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría". Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2002, vol.41, n.3, pp.125-128. ISSN 1024-0675.

Objectives: To determine the incidence and severity of iron deficiency in children of different age groups by identifying hemoglobin levels, and also to observe clinical co- relation to pale palms; patients were children admitted to a pediatric hospital. Pattern: Prospective descriptive study. Location: Ovidio Aliaga Uría Children's Hospital, La Paz, Bolivia. Patients: 247 children admitted to the hospital's different wards. Method: Hemoglobin levels were measured and registered upon admission of children to the hospital as well as age, sex and clinical co-relation to palm paleness. Results: Hemoglobin levels lower than 12g/dl were found in more than 50% of children under 5 years of age, particularly in nursing babies; levels higher than 10g/dl in the majority of them. The co- relation to palm paleness was adequate, requiring more investigation.

Keywords : Rev. Soc. Bol. Ped. 2002; 41 (3): 125-128; Hemoglobin; Anemia; iron deficiency.