Effect of iron deficiency on behavior and cognition in children

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common trace element deficiency in childhood. More than 25% of the world’s population is affected by anemia, of which more than 50% suffers from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron deficiency can cause changes in neurotransmitter homeostasis, decrease myelin production, impair synaptogenesis, and decline the function of the basal ganglia. Therefore, IDA adversely affects cognitive functions and psychomotor development. Aim: is to study the effect of iron deficiency on behavior and cognitive function in children using conners parent rating scales and P300 event-related potentials (ERPs). Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional comparative study included 20 children with iron deficiency, 20 children ​with iron deficiency anemia,and 20 healthy children who attended the pediatric out patient’s clinic and inpatient department of Al-Zahraa hospital –Alazhar University for Girls we include children with iron deficiency ,Children with chronic medical conditions,Children with co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses ,children with any form of psychiatric, physical, developmental or Intellectual  disability, chronic underlying disease (e.g. inborn error of metabolism, genetic, endocrine or liver disease, vision or hearing impairment) or neurologic disorders were excluded from the study.