Features of the course of COVID-19 in children with hypochromic anemia

S. G. Gorbunov; A. V. Bitsueva; N. D. Odinaeva; A. A. Cheburkin

doi:10.21508/1027-4065-2025-70-6-53-60

Features of the course of COVID-19 in children with hypochromic anemia

S. G. Gorbunov, A. V. Bitsueva, N. D. Odinaeva, A. A. Cheburkin

https://doi.org/10.21508/1027-4065-2025-70-6-53-60

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Abstract

According to the literature, patients with hypochromic anemia are considered a "risk group" for an unfavorable course of COVID-19. It has been established that hypochromic iron deficiency anemia has a negative impact on virtually all aspects of the immune system, which play a key role in protecting the body from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The development of COVID-19 leads to changes in iron homeostasis—the so-called inflammatory anemia—which negatively impacts the course of this infection.
Objective: to determine the features of the clinical course, laboratory and instrumental examination data, and to analyze the effectiveness of COVID-19 treatment in children with hypochromic anemia.
Materials and methods: in 2022–2024, 60 children with COVID-19 suffering from hypochromic anemia (observation group) and 60 children with this infection without anemia (comparison group) were examined in accordance with regulatory documents.
Results: The severity of the condition in observation group was determined by the degree of damage to the respiratory tract, fever and intoxication, as well as diarrhea. From laboratory data, patients with COVID-19 and hypochromic anemia are characterized by a decrease in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and a tendency to hypercoagulation. The severity of the inflammatory process in them was more reflected by CRP than ferritin. In order to achieve a favorable outcome, patients in this group needed longer treatment for all types of therapy they receive in children without anemia.
Conclusion: COVID-19 in children with hypochromic anemia is more severe than in patients suffering from this infection without anemia.

Keywords

children, COVID-19, hypochromic anemia, clinical course, therapy

About the Authors

S. G. Gorbunov

Research clinical institute of childhood ; Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation

115093, Moscow

125993, Moscow

A. V. Bitsueva

Research clinical institute of childhood
Russian Federation

115093, Moscow

N. D. Odinaeva

Research clinical institute of childhood ; Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical
Russian Federation

115093, Moscow

129110, Moscow

A. A. Cheburkin

Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education
Russian Federation

125993, Moscow

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Review

For citations:

Gorbunov S.G., Bitsueva A.V., Odinaeva N.D., Cheburkin A.A. Features of the course of COVID-19 in children with hypochromic anemia. Rossiyskiy Vestnik Perinatologii i Pediatrii (Russian Bulletin of Perinatology and Pediatrics). 2025;70(6):53-60. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21508/1027-4065-2025-70-6-53-60

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