Hematologic Manifestations

Abstract

Only a few of the children who are brought to the physician because of pallor actually have anemia. Pallor may be due to an inherited pale complexion, decreased peripheral circulation in fast-growing children who have a labile vasomotor system, reduced outdoor activities, or incipient infections. These children will have a normal hemogram (Table 5). On the other hand, the hemogram may uncover anemia in patients with various unexplained complaints, such as a labile vasomotor system, tachycardia, easy fatigability, lack of appetite, decreased ability to concentrate, headaches, and dyspnea on exertion. In children, anemia is mostly due to iron deficiency or chronic disorders. Other forms of anemia are rare in this age group.