Anemia: diagnosis and management.

Anemia is a pathologic condition produced by a decrease in red blood cell mass or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Anemia is a common occurrence in the United States. Children from some ethnic groups have a higher incidence of anemia, but anemia also can affect overweight children and children with chronic illnesses. Iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common cause of anemia and can produce long-term developmental outcomes, continues to be prevalent in some groups of children. This article will review the procedures for taking a history, determining the etiology, and providing initial treatment for the anemia.