Clinical Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally. The deficiency of iron most obviously impairs effective hematopoeisis, resulting in anemia, an indicator of severe iron deficiency. However, because of the importance of iron as a cofactor in biochemical reactions at the cellular level, defiiciency of iron impacts virtually every organ system, and in particular the central nervous system. Studies have found iron deficiency to be a contributing factor to many conditions including developmental delay, stroke, breathe holding spells, pseudotumor cerbri, swallowing dysfunction, and restless leg syndrome. The basic science and clinical research supporting the relationship between iron deficiency and these neurological sequelae will be explored. Iron deficiency is preventable; building awareness is important to assist in preventing these serious complications of what is often considered to be a benign nutritional problem. Clinicians attending this seminar will be able to apply this clinical information to their practice, and as well, this session will foster advocacy for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and the neurological sequelae in our children.