Pallor

Descriptive text is not available for this imageBASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Pallor is defined as an unhealthy paleness of the skin that may be a reflection of anemia or poor peripheral perfusion.
  • Anemia can be defined functionally as the inability of hemoglobin to meet cellular oxygen demand.
  • The normal range for hemoglobin is age-dependent.
  • Pallor may be less noticeable in individuals with a darker complexion.
    • Gradual onset of pallor can often go unnoticed by parents/guardians.
    • Grandparents or others who see the child less often may be the first to notice pallor.

RISK FACTORS

  • Ages between 6 months and 3 years or adolescent females
    • These are also the peak age ranges for iron deficiency that is a common cause of pallor.
  • Gender
    • Some red cell–enzyme X-linked defects such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phosphoglycerate kinase deficiencies are sex-linked.
  • Hemoglobinopathies associated with geographic regions
    • Africa: hemoglobins S and C, α- and β-thalassemia trait, G6PD deficiency
    • Southeast Asia: hemoglobin E and α-thalassemia
    • Mediterranean: β-thalassemia and G6PD deficiency

Genetics

Family history: Some of the congenital hemolytic anemias are autosomal-dominant.

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