Dr. Shariq Khoja
Anemia is one of the most common health problems globally with high prevalence in women and children all over the world. Some studies have shown even higher prevalence in hospitalized patients, those undergoing surgery and the critically ill. As many as two-thirds of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) have been found to be anemic at admission, and its prevalence continues to increase during ICU stay, reaching as much as 95% within a few days. An extensive body of evidence indicts even mild or moderate anemia as a significant contributor to worse outcomes across various populations. Studies have shown that anemia is independently associated with increased risk of maternal deaths, cognitive and motor deficiencies in children, short and long-term mortality and morbidity, including renal and cardiovascular events, poor functional outcomes and increased risk of hospitalization and readmission among many other unfavorable outcomes.
Iron deficiency can result from inadequate intake or absorption of dietary iron, increased need during periods of growth, and blood loss from menstruation or variety of infections. Because women of reproductive age lose iron through menstruation and their diets are often lacking in available iron, they are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency. Evidence has shown that daily iron supplementation is associated with reduced risk of anaemia and iron deficiency in menstruating women and adolescent girls, without any major side effects. Other common methods include fortification of rice and other food items. However, most of these people in high-risk groups are prescribed these treatments without any baseline measurement and regular monitoring. The main reason is non-availability of labs and lack of safe and reliable devices for monitoring hemoglobin in the community. Lack of regular monitoring leads to compliance issues and improvement in hemoglobin levels on individual and community levels.
Although daily iron supplementation can be administered with minimal side-effects, studies suggest that uncontrolled and unmonitored distribution of iron may lead to Iron toxicity, which can be either sudden or gradual. Accidental overdoses may also cause serious health problems, taking high-dose supplements for a long time, or chronic iron overload disorders. Under normal circumstances, very little free iron circulates in the bloodstream. It is safely bound to proteins, such as transferrin, which keep it from causing harm. However, iron toxicity can significantly increase the levels of “free” iron in the body. Free iron is a pro-oxidant, the opposite of an antioxidant, and may cause damage to cells either through iron poisoning in children or in conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis.
Repeated high-dose iron supplementation may cause serious problems. Early symptoms of iron poisoning may include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Gradually, the excess iron accumulates in internal organs, causing potentially fatal damage to the brain and liver. The long-term ingestion of high-dose supplements may gradually cause symptoms similar to iron overload. Therefore, it is critical to regularly monitor hemoglobin levels and long-term supplementation be given to people with low hemoglobin levels.
Monitoring iron levels in the community and at homes has not flourished due to lack of safe and accurate methods. Tech4Life’s non-invasive hemoglobin monitor offers fast, non-invasive and accurate reading for people at home and health workers for regular testing of hemoglobin. This device can also be used regularly for screening and triaging adults and children in communities at high risk of anemia.