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Iron Status and Hemoglobin Adjustment by Altitude to Define Anemia in Children Aged 6 to 8 Months Living in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno

Abstract

Objective.: To describe the iron status profile and to propose hemoglobin adjustment factors for altitude for children aged 6 to 8 months in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno.

Materials And Methods.: Cross-sectional study in children aged 6 to 8 months from four cities. We measured hemoglobin and other iron biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), among others. To estimate the adjustment equation, we applied an exponential regression. We excluded children with iron deficiency (ID) and/or inflammation.

Results.: The proportions of ID were higher in Puno and Arequipa, while inflammation did not exceed 19% in any of the cities. Hemoglobin showed an exponential increase at higher altitude. The adjustment equation was: 10.34249 x (1.00007 ^ Alt).

Conclusions.: Children residing in Arequipa and Puno showed higher rates of ID and lower iron reserves; furthermore, the increase in hemoglobin by altitude was exponential, showing the need to adjust hemoglobin at altitude.

Citing Articles

Hemoglobin levels for determining anemia: new World Health Organization guidelines and adaptation of the national standard.

Gonzales G, Suarez Moreno V Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2024; 41(2):102-104.

PMID: 39166631 PMC: 11300700. DOI: 10.17843/rpmesp.2024.412.13894.

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