INTRODUÇÃO

The approach to anemia in the pediatric patient is reviewed here. Included are pertinent issues related to the history, physical examination, and initial laboratory work-up; methods for classifying anemia; and algorithms designed to help guide diagnosis. A systematic approach to the examination of the peripheral blood smear and bone marrow is discussed separately. (See “Evaluation of the peripheral blood smear” and “Evaluation of bone marrow aspirate smears”.)