Iron deficiency anaemia in women of reproductive age group attending a tertiary care hospital

Anaemia is defined as a clinical condition characterized by reduction in hemoglobin concentration below the normal age, sex, physiological condition and altitude from the sea level, of a person. It can be of different types, the commonest being iron deficiency anaemia, due to low iron intake, affects growing children, mostly pregnant and lactating females. Present study was undertaken at Major S.D. Singh Medical College hospital, Farrukhabad. One hundred patients attending Out-patient department were selected for the study. Detailed history was recorded, clinical examination conducted, blood tests including full blood count, platelet count, absolute blood values and blood film examination. In all patients having anaemia, serum ferritin was also estimated. Results showed that majority of patients (40%) were in the age group of 20–25 years. Largest number (43%) were suffering from moderate anaemia. 72% were having microcytic hypochromic anaemia, suggestive of low iron intake. Mean Ferritin level in cases of moderate anaemia was 10.8U/L (Normal value-63ug/L), much below the normal values. Present study re-confirms that iron deficiency anaemia, which is linked with poor dietary intake, during vital period of life, is still a problem. Target group, particularly females of reproductive age-group, needs focused attention to improve the scenario, which will minimize consequences of anemia.