Severe iron deficiency anaemia and ischaemic stroke in children
- 1Neurology Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- 2Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- 3Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Correspondence to Dr P A Munot, 57 B Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3HZ, UK; munotp{at}gosh.nhs.uk
- Accepted 26 September 2010
- Published Online First 27 October 2010
Abstract
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has a peak prevalence of 4–8% in children aged 1–3 years of age and is known to be associated with developmental delay, lethargy, irritability and cognitive problems. Rarely, IDA has also been reported as a risk factor for stroke in otherwise healthy children. We report a series of four young children aged 14 months to 48 months with significant IDA. Three children had venous sinus thrombosis and one had arterial ischaemic stroke, without other risk factors. We discuss the potential underlying mechanisms and review the relevant literature. This report further consolidates the evidence for a strong association between IDA and childhood stroke and highlights an easily treatable (and preventable) risk factor.
Footnotes
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Competing interests None.
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Patient consent Obtained.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
