Children's Health Profile & Vitamin D

Child Health Profile Survey (Child Profile III), Taking into account the age and developmental stage of the child, provides information on problems developed during the growth process, such as Iron deficiency (anemia), inflammatory and infectious processes, possible allergic reactions, conditions related to vitamin D metabolism: rickets, osteomalacia, immune status, and other conditions of concern.

The profile includes the following 4 studies:

• General Blood Analysis & ESR
• Iron
• Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
• Vitamin D (total)

General Information

General Blood Analysis & ESR

The test may be done as part of a routine check-up to detect problems or because the child is not feeling well. Red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet levels can inform your doctor about possible problems such as anemia, infections, inflammation, and more.

Red blood cells They contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the tissues of the body and provides the red color of the blood. When the hemoglobin level is low, the baby may be pale and suffer from easy fatigue, his heart rate and respiratory rate may increase due to lack of oxygen.

Platelets Form blood clots that help stop bleeding in the event of a vascular injury. When the platelet count is low, bleeding easily develops. A child with a low platelet count may easily develop bruises or often have nosebleeds. Blood in the stool and urine is less common.

White blood cells

Neutrophils Fight infections caused by fungi and bacteria. Neutropenia (reduction in quantity) can be caused by a tumor process or by diseases, disorders, or infections that damage the bone marrow. In addition, some medications or conditions can cause neutropenia.

Lymphocytes They also protect the body from viral infections. Lymphocytopenia can be caused by an inherited syndrome, be associated with certain diseases, or be a side effect of medications or other treatments.

Monocytes Promote the removal of dead or damaged tissue and regulate the body's immune response. Infections, tumors, autoimmune diseases and other conditions can lead to an increase in the number of monocytes. The reduction in quantity can be the result of toxins, chemotherapy and other causes.

Eosinophilia (Increase in the number of eosinophils) can be caused most often by an allergic reaction or a parasitic infection.

Of basophils Decreases in quantity may be caused by allergic reactions or infection. The increased number may be caused by a tumor process or other disorders.

Iron

In children, iron is an essential nutrient for the growth and proper functioning of many organs and systems, mainly erythropoiesis. It must be taken from food and its absorption takes place in the upper gastrointestinal tract. When the body's demand for iron is not met, and when its quantity is insufficient to fully support erythrocyte production, the condition Iron deficiency Are called. In 30% of cases, without treatment, it can develop Iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common form of anemia in children.

The causes of iron deficiency are numerous, but in children it is mainly caused by four reasons: depletion of reserves at birth, inadequate intake of iron from food, decreased intestinal absorption, or chronic blood loss.

Signs of iron deficiency:

• Pale skin and mucous membranes;
• Decreased appetite;
• Lack of desire to play;
• Irritation;
• Asthenia;
• Insomnia;
• headache;
• Restriction of daily activities;
• Lack of attention, intelligence, memory, motor skills and speech;
• Glossitis;
• Dysphagia;
• Decreased gastric acidity;
• Nail dystrophy;
• Hair brittleness;
• Amenorrhea;
• Growth retardation;
• Susceptibility to infections, etc.

Immunoglobulin AND (IgE)

IgE antibodies are usually found in small amounts in the blood, but higher levels may be a sign that the body is overreacting to allergens. This can lead to Allergic reaction.

IgE levels can also be high when the body is struggling Parasitic infection Or in the face Any problem with the immune system.

Determining the IgE antibody accordingly helps us to determine if the child has an allergic reaction, any problem with the immune system or a parasitic infection.

Vitamin D (total)

Vitamin D deficiency is common especially in adolescents and can cause: rickets, pathology of the cardiovascular system, depression, decreased immunity, autoimmune diseases and others

Compared to the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, hypervitaminosis D is rare and occurs only in the case of prolonged exposure to high doses of vitamin D. This condition is clinically characterized by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, nephrolithiasis, heart problems. Laboratory test results show severe hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, as well as low levels of parathyroid hormone.

When should we conduct a child health profile survey?

• Conducting a profile study is appropriate if the child has symptoms characteristic of anemia, inflammatory and infectious processes, a possible allergic reaction, and disruption of vitamin D metabolism.
• Research is being conducted Prevention - Assessment of the general state of health of the child - In order.

How to prepare for the test / rules of material collection

Blood sample Sampling, for profile studies, is essential on empty stomach , in the morning.

Research material

Needed for research Venous blood (One sniff)

Possible interpretation of the results

If the test reveals abnormalities, it may be necessary to use additional, other methods of diagnostics. For this, you must consult a specialist, who, taking into account the symptoms, will correctly select the appropriate examinations to make an accurate diagnostics.

Resources

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/b/blood-counts

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensMercy/en/parents/test-oandp.html

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/62708

https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Blood-Test-Immunoglobulin-E-(IgE)