Iron deficiency in children with HIV-associated anaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#adolescent #anemia-iron-deficiency #child #child-preschool #developed-countries

Iron deficiency in children with HIV-associated anaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Esan et al., 2012 | Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg | Meta Analysis

Citation

Esan Michael O, Jonker Femkje A M, ... Phiri Kamija S. Iron deficiency in children with HIV-associated anaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2012-Oct;106(10):579-87. doi:10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.07.002

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in HIV-infected children from high- and low-income settings and compared it with that of HIV-uninfected controls. We searched five major databases for primary studies reporting on anaemia and iron markers in HIV-infected children. A pooled analysis was done using random-effects models, with Forest plots and heterogeneity test estimates provided. Fifteen articles (2778 children) met the inclusion criteria. In the pooled analysis, mean overall prevalence of iron deficiency in HIV-infected children was 34% (95%CI 19-50%). Prevalence rates were similar in high-income (31%; 95%CI 2-61%) and low-income settings (36%; 95%CI 17-54%) (p=0.14). Studies that included a HIV-uninfected control population (n=4) were only available from low-income settings and showed less iron deficiency in HIV-infected children (28%) than in HIV-uninfected children (43%); OR 0.50 (0.27-0.94); p=0.03. The findings suggest that HIV-infected children are less likely to be iron deficient when compared with HIV-uninfected children. Possible explanations for this include HIV-induced haematosuppression and associated hypoferraemia, with adequate iron stores. Nevertheless iron deficiency is a common co-morbidity in HIV. Studies are needed to determine the role of iron deficiency in HIV-associated anaemia and the effects of iron supplementation in this population.

Key Findings

Studies are needed to determine the role of iron deficiency in HIV-associated anaemia and the effects of iron supplementation in this population.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 4
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developed Countries
  • Developing Countries
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Prevalence
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09