Abstract: Methods: To assess the diagnostic criteria and therapeutic modalities for pediatric IDA employed by physicians in a major public healthcare facility in Riyadh, a validated questionnaire including demographic data and patient case scenarios related to diagnosis and treatment of IDA was employed. Robust regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with overall score of participants. Wide variability was observed in IDA diagnosis and therapy practices. For nutritional IDA, only 15.6% recommended no other laboratory tests in addition to CBC. The majority preferred treatment with ferrous sulfate (77.6%) divided into two doses (57.1%), but the total daily elemental iron doses varied widely from 2 to 6 mg/kg. Of all assessed factors, median score was significantly highest in pediatric hematologists compared with pediatricians, family medicine specialists and GPs; p = 0.007, and those work in tertiary care compared with those in primary care; p = 0.043. However, in multivariate robust regression analysis, overall score was only significantly associated with professional qualification [pediatric hematologist β = 13.71,95%CI 2.48–24.95, p = 0.017; pediatrician β = 1.77,95%C (− 6.05–9.59, p = 0.66; family medicine β = 2.66,95%CI-4.30-9.58, p = 0.45 compared with general practitioner]. Conclusion: Wide variations exist among physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IDA.
Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia, Treatment, Diagnosis, Assessment, Pediatric.
Title: Treatment Options for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children in Saudi Arabia
Author: Moneerah Mohammed Alzoman, Kassem Jawad Alobaid, Norah alnashmi Alshalwi, Bedah Doujain alsuhali, Qamra Saud Alshlwai, Sally faisal alharbi, Talal ali alenazi, hessah Falah AlTamimi, Talal Marui Adiri
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023
Page No: 262-269
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 12-September-2023
