Should babies undergo Mediterranean anemia screening for moderate anemia during physical examination

When a baby is found to have moderate anemia during a physical examination, it is usually necessary to undergo Mediterranean anemia screening. Mediterranean anemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia, and moderate anemia may be one of its early manifestations.

Mediterranean anemia screening mainly includes blood routine examination, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and genetic testing. Blood routine examination can preliminarily determine the type of anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis can detect abnormal hemoglobin, and genetic testing is the gold standard for diagnosis. These tests are of great significance for identifying the cause of anemia and developing follow-up treatment plans. The necessity of screening is higher in children with moderate anemia who have a family history, delayed growth and development, or typical facial features. If the screening results indicate thalassemia, further assessment of the degree of anemia and the risk of complications is needed. Even if the screening result is negative, it is recommended to regularly monitor hemoglobin levels.

Parents should pay attention to providing anemia babies with complementary foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, such as iron fortified Rice noodles, lean meat paste and green leafy vegetables. Avoid excessive consumption of milk that affects iron absorption, ensure adequate sleep and moderate outdoor activity. Regularly follow up on blood routine indicators to observe whether there are any worsening conditions such as pale complexion and fatigue. If diagnosed with thalassemia, an individualized management plan should be developed under the guidance of a specialist, and blood transfusion or iron removal treatment should be performed if necessary.