Pediatric Problem Solving-Case18

Pediatric Problem Solving – Case 18
A 10 month old female infant is brought to a clinic for routine health evaluation. Her diet consists of ordinary food and a lot of fresh whole milk. On examination, she is pale, hemoglobin is 7.5 gm% otherwise there are no abnormalities.

The most likely diagnosis is:
A.Thalassemia

B.Iron deficiency anemia

C.Sickle cell anemia

D.Anemia of chronic illness

Explanation of the case:
•hemoglobin is 7.5 gm% → anemia
•no abnormalities → not hemolytic anemia
•fresh whole milk : allergy or iron deficiency anemia( which is very common)
 Choice (A) : point against: there's no abnormalities
 Choice (B) : the right choice
 Choice (C) : point against: there's no abnormalities
 Choice (D): point against: no history of chronic illness.