A significant reduction in red cell mass and a corresponding
decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity (hemoglobin) of the
blood.
There are many causes of anemia in children, most commonly
because of underproduction or increased breakdown
(hemolysis). Common causes of underproduction include
iron-deficiency, thalassemia, vitamin deficiency (B12, folic
acid), toxic exposures, and chronic disease. Hemolytic
anemias include sickle cell syndromes, immunologic disorders,
hereditary spherocytosis, and G6PD deficiency.
Anemia during pregnancy is defined as a Hb
concentration < 10gm/dL and may be found in as many as 80% of gravid women.
However, any patient with a Hb level <11.5 gm/dL at onset of
pregnancy must be treated for anemia, since the hemodilution that
occurs as pregnancy advances will bring the Hb level into the anemic
range.
Most anemias during pregnancy are due to dietary iron
deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed by examining the CBC
and by finding characteristic hypochromic microcytic RBCs in the
peripheral blood smear.