EFFECTIVENESS OF IRON SUPPLEMENTATION TO MANAGE BREATH HOLDING SPELLS AMONG CHILDREN WITH RESPECT TO FERRITIN & HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS

Objectives: We aimed to determine the occurrence of iron deficiency anaemia among children having spells of breath holding. Methodology: We conducted this research at Services Hospital, Lahore in the timeframe of November 2016 to August 2017 on a total of ninety-five children of breath holding spells as they fulfilled the inclusion criteria and after agreeing to research protocols by extending their informed consent. Ethical permission of the hospital was also taken before the research commencement. We explained the objective and aim of the research to research participants and their parents/guardians. We strictly observed inclusion criteria and all those not fulfilling the research enrolment criteria were excluded. A though examination of children and detailed medical history was documented on a pre-designed Performa. We drained a blood sample of (3 cc) for the evaluation of the level of serum ferritin and complete blood count in the laboratory of the hospital along with the assessment of iron deficiency anaemia. Results: The age wise distribution of 95 patients was such as 58 children were in the age bracket of (6 – 36) months with a proportion of (61.05%); whereas, 37 children were in the age bracket of (37 – 60) months with a proportion of (38.95%). The mean age of the children was (38.74 ± 11.98) months. Gender distribution was such as 56 children were male (58.95%) and remaining 39 were female (41.05%). Iron deficiency anaemia morbidity was present among 49 children (51.58%); whereas, it was absent among 46 children (48.42%). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia occurrences were higher among breath holding spells children. However, its management is easy and accessible because of effective and economic iron supplements. These supplements are able to control anxiety. Improved and better outcomes of iron supplements also reduce extra expenditure and fatigue factor of patients and their parents/guardians as there is no such requirement of medical or clinical investigations and reduced hospital visits. Keywords: Breath Hold Spells, Children, Iron Deficiency Anemia and Criteria