DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i04.013

Pages: 908-913

Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a common concern among children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) due to multiple factors, including chronic hypoxia, inadequate nutritional intake, and increased iron demands. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children with Congenital heart disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period from July 2019 to December 2019. A total of 100 pediatric patients with confirmed CHD were selected for this study. Result: The study included 100 pediatric CHD patients, with a mean age of 5.2 ± 2.7 years (range: 6 months–12 years). Males comprised 60%, and cyanotic CHD cases were more prevalent (55%). Hematological analysis showed significantly lower hemoglobin (10.2 ± 1.5 g/dL) and RBC counts in cyanotic CHD than acyanotic CHD (p < 0.001). Serum iron (45.1 ± 8.7 µg/dL) and ferritin (18.5 ± 5.2 ng/mL) were significantly reduced in cyanotic CHD (p < 0.01), with higher TIBC and lower transferrin saturation. Patients with ferritin <50 ng/mL had significantly lower hemoglobin, MCV, and MCH (p < 0.05), confirming iron deficiency anemia. IDA was associated with growth retardation (63.6%), delayed neurodevelopment (40%), increased cyanotic spells (36.4%), and high surgical risk (43.6%) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) patients and its adverse impact on growth, neurodevelopment, and surgical outcomes.