Quando l'anemia blocca le gambe

A 17-month-old girl was hospitalized for dehydration due to gastroenteritis. She presented with a severe microcytic anaemia (Hb 6.2 g/dl) linked to an exclusive breastfeeding diet. Attempts at introducing solid foods had failed. Despite improvement in anaemia and diet after discharge, she showed motor regression and ceased to walk. Neurological tests excluded traumatic, metabolic and genetic conditions, but anaemia persisted. Following a blood transfusion, the patient regained motor abilities. The paper highlights the link between iron deficiency and developmental delays, particularly in walking. This case underscores the vital role of iron in neurodevelopment and emphasises awareness of chronic anaemia in children worldwide.