Background: Polycythemic denotes an increased red blood cell (RBC) number/state, and there are many associated pathological conditions specific to elevated RBC counts in pediatric populations. There is a lack of studies specifically addressing the risk factors for polycythemia in Iraqi children, which is important to study considering the environmental and socioeconomic climate of that region.
Objective: This study aims to identify risk factors pertinent to elevated RBC counts in Iraqi children aged two to sixteen years, and evaluate the related risk factors for contribution to the development of polycythemia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study. 1247 children were recruited from five different governorates in Iraq between January 2023 and December 2023. Information gathered included CBC, demographic data, environmental exposures, assessment of nutritional status, and medical history. Elevated RBC counts were determined to be at values greater than the 95th percentile based on age and sex. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze independent risk factors in both groups.
Results: Of 1247 children that participated, 15,6 (12.5%) of children had elevated RBC counts. Significant risk factors of elevated RBC counts that were identified included chronic respiratory infections (OR 3.42, 95%CI 2.18-5.37), industrial pollution exposure (OR 2.98, 95%CI 1.95-4.28), treatment of iron deficient anemia (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.67-3.28), low socioeconomic status (OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.34-2.93), and parental consanguinity (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.22-2.54). Additionally, rural residence and water quality, were statistically associated with elevated RBC counts with respective OR (2.02, 95%CI 1.24-3.72) and (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.58-4.97).
Conclusion: There are multiple environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors that lead to elevated RBC counts in Iraqi children. This information highlights the need for comprehensive public health interventions to reduce environmental pollution, increase access to health care, and implement targeted screening programs for at-risk children and their families.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Medicine
