What does low hemoglobin concentration in children indicate

Low hemoglobin concentration in children usually indicates anemia, which may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, genetic factors, infections, or hematopoietic dysfunction. Hemoglobin is an important component of oxygen transport in the blood, and insufficient concentration can affect children's growth, development, and immune function.

1. Nutritional deficiency:

Iron is a key raw material for synthesizing hemoglobin, and iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in children. Long term picky eating, untimely addition of complementary foods, or intestinal absorption disorders can lead to insufficient iron reserves. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can also affect red blood cell production, commonly seen in children who are fed a vegan diet or have poor digestion and absorption.

2. Chronic blood loss:

Peptic ulcers, intestinal polyps, or parasitic infections may lead to occult blood loss. Excessive menstrual flow in adolescent girls is also a common cause. Long term small blood loss can deplete the body's iron reserves, with each milliliter of blood containing about 0.5 milligrams of iron. When continuous blood loss exceeds the body's compensatory ability, anemia may occur.

3. Infection factors:

EB virus, cytomegalovirus and other infections can inhibit bone marrow hematopoietic function. Children with chronic kidney disease may develop renal anemia due to insufficient secretion of erythropoietin. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis and AIDS can also accelerate the destruction of red blood cells. Such anemia is often accompanied by abnormal lymphocyte count.

4. Genetic diseases:

Children with thalassemia have impaired synthesis of globin peptide chains, and abnormal bands can be seen on hemoglobin electrophoresis. Hereditary spherocytosis is caused by defects in red blood cell membrane proteins leading to increased cell fragility, with characteristic spherocytosis visible on blood smears. This type of anemia is often accompanied by splenomegaly and jaundice.

5. Hematopoietic abnormalities:

Children with aplastic anemia have reduced whole blood cells, and bone marrow aspiration shows a significant decrease in hematopoietic cells. Leukemia and other blood tumors can occupy the bone marrow cavity, squeezing the normal hematopoietic space. This type of disease, in addition to anemia, is often accompanied by bleeding tendencies and recurrent infections, and requires bone marrow biopsy for diagnosis.

It is found that children with low hemoglobin levels should undergo comprehensive tests such as blood routine, serum iron metabolism, and reticulocyte count. Mild anemia can be improved by increasing iron rich foods such as red meat, animal liver, and dark green vegetables, combined with vitamin C to promote iron absorption. Moderate to severe anemia should be treated with iron supplements or etiological therapy under the guidance of a doctor to avoid blind use of blood tonifying drugs. Regularly monitor changes in hemoglobin levels. It is recommended that school-age children undergo anemia screening every semester, and girls in their growth and development period should pay special attention to their iron reserves. Ensuring adequate sleep and moderate exercise can help improve hematopoietic function.