Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Mon, 23 Nov 1998 12:39:17 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
I agree with Jack that this Hg level is not severe anemia. We occasionally
see a lowish Hg in the office on our machine and then see normal ones with a
CBC at the lab. Any machine/technique carries the risk of lab error.
Certainly if there's is a real concern about anemia, further work-up might
be helpful. For levels that are just lowish like this, I usually recommend
OTC vits with iron (concentration is not too high) along with offering foods
high in iron. Also, is the mother getting enough iron (I have to ask, is
there really a worry about this-- maternal iron supplementation? I know most
HCP around here tell a new mom to continue her PNV if she's breastfeeding).
Since many toddlers can be notoriously picky eaters, I usually recommend
less than 8 oz of juice/day if the child must have juice and less than
16-20oz/d of cow's milk (a real cause of iron deficiency anemia). By
limiting these not so nutritious foods, the hope is that the child will have
more appetite for more nutritious foods (of which I certainly consider
breastmilk to be).
Best of luck,
Mari Douma, DO
|
|
|