Marcial deficiency in children

Martial deficiency affects at-risk population groups (pregnant women and infants) in both developed and developing countries. In Algeria, the extent of the problem is not well known, as studies are rare and assessment tools, such as biochemical indicators, are unreliable.Objectives - to determine the prevalence of martial deficiency in children aged 0-5 years in the city of Batna, to study its repercussions on the child’s physical and psychomotor development, and to evaluate appropriate treatment and preventive measures.In a sample of 354 children aged zero to five in the city of Batna, we measured serum ferritin, haemoglobin and transferrin receptors, analysed the clinical signs of deficiency and assessed the children’s growth and psychomotor development. The deficient children received an iron-based treatment. Checks were carried out at the end of the iron treatment.