Investigation of Pediatric Anemia in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Objective To report on the prevalence and etiology of pediatric anemia in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Method A retrospective chart review was conducted that included patients up to 19 years of age who presented for well child care and whose hemoglobin or hematocrit was checked in the CNMI from 2014 to 2015. Lab values, diagnoses and treatment plans, patient reported ethnicity, and follow-up results were collected from eligible patients. Results The records for 1483 pediatric patients who had 1584 well child visits were reviewed. The prevalence of anemia amongst all eligible patients was 8.0% (5.4–10.7). This included 292 9 to 18 months old patients, which is estimated to be 40% of the total pediatric population of CNMI in that age group. Among the 9 to 18 months old patients, the prevalence of anemia is 5.5% (2.6–8.4). Etiology of anemia was investigated and of the patients treated with iron, 55.2% had a documented response. The majority of those without documentation of improvement with iron were patients who were lost to follow-up. In addition, a total of 10 patients were found to have an alpha or beta thalassemia variant discovered initially by anemia screening or sibling tracing. Discussion In this United States Commonwealth, prevalence of anemia appears lower than prevalence reported for other independent Pacific Island nations and closer to that of the US. Thalassemia is documented within this population. Limitations to this data were use of a convenient sample that may be hampered by lack of presentation to well-child care. This study will guide future public health studies on anemia prevalence and can guide public health intervention decisions to improve pediatric care in the CNMI.