Child of 6 weeks with Hemoglobin of 10 gm% pale on examination, diagnosis is ?
**Core Concept**
Anemia in infants can be caused by various factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, and congenital conditions. In a 6-week-old child, anemia is often due to iron deficiency, which is a result of inadequate iron stores from the mother, rapid growth, and insufficient iron intake from breast milk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The child's low hemoglobin level of 10 gm% indicates anemia. In infants, anemia is often due to iron deficiency, which is caused by the depletion of iron stores from the mother's blood during pregnancy and lactation. Breast milk contains low levels of iron, and the infant's rapid growth rate leads to increased iron demands. The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in this child is supported by the presence of pallor, which is a common symptom of anemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not provided.
* **Option B:** This option is not provided.
* **Option C:** This option is not provided.
* **Option D:** This option is not provided.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In infants, anemia can also be caused by congenital conditions such as beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease. However, these conditions are less common and typically present with other symptoms such as jaundice, lethargy, or failure to thrive.
**Correct Answer:** D. Iron deficiency anemia