Iron deficiency in infants and toddlers in the United States.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be overwhelmingly the leading cause of anemia in early childhood and a global public health challenge. Although there has been a significant decrease in the frequency of IDA and iron deficiency (ID) in infants and toddlers in recent years in the United States, ID and IDA persist and the adverse effects of ID are long-lasting if not permanent. Moreover, ID can result in lead toxicity, and this toxic exposure, even with low levels, can impair neurocognitive function as well.

Iron deficiency and impaired cognition in toddlers: an underestimated and undertreated problem.

Iron deficiency in toddlers is associated with impaired cognition and is an underestimated and undertreated problem. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during the first year of life has been dramatically reduced in developed countries, mainly due to the increase in breastfeeding and the use of iron-fortified feeding formulae. However, in US and UK children aged 1-2 years, recent studies have shown prevalence rates of >10% and 30% for IDA and iron deficiency, respectively.

Trends in diagnosis and management of iron deficiency during infancy and early childhood.

Iron deficiency remains a public health challenge. The neurocognitive deficits that are associated with iron deficiency are most worrisome. Moreover, iron deficiency-associated elevated blood lead levels magnify the problem.

Assessing immunization rates in an ambulatory care setting.

Members of the Collaborative Immunization Initiatives determined the immunization coverage rates for two groups of children in our clinic: those 7 to 12 months old and those 18 to 23 months old. The Clinic Assessment Software Application from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used. The immunization rates determined by this method appeared to significantly underestimate the vaccination coverage rates in our clinic.