Prevalence, Severity, and Hematological Profile of Anemia in Children with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Presenting with Cyanotic Spells: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

To determine the prevalence and severity of anemia, characterize the associated hematological profile, and examine its association with recurrent cyanotic spells among children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) admitted to a tertiary-care hospital in Pakistan. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study included 387 children, from neonates to 12 years, with echocardiographically confirmed CCHD admitted for cyanotic spells at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from May to October 2025. Data were retrospectively retrieved from the Hospital Management Information System. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) <15 g/dL and classified as mild (12–<15 g/dL), moderate (9–<12 g/dL), or severe (<9 g/dL). Demographics, CCHD subtype, hematological indices, and documented cyanotic spells were analyzed.