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Pathology definition - Iron deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by dietary deficiency of iron intake, chronic loss of blood, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, malignancy (colorectal cancer), malabsorption and menorrhagia. Iron deficiency anemia is also part of the symptoms of Plummer- Vinson syndrome. Plummer Vinson syndrome’s patient may present with glossitis, esophageal web as well as iron deficiency anemia with an increase risk of developing esophageal carcinoma.
Patient with iron deficiency anemia may present with typically symptoms and signs of anemia such as fatigue, pallor, chest pain and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with identification the source of bleeding which may be occult in nature and consider supplementation of iron.
The investigations may include full blood count and peripheral blood film. The blood test may reveal decreased in serum iron, decreased in serum ferritin and increased in the total iron binding capacity. There will also be decreased level of the hemoglobin and decreased in hematocrit. Peripheral blood film/peripheral blood smear may reveal hypochromic microcytic erythrocytes.
References
1.Clark, Susan F. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice 23, no. 2 (April 1, 2008): 128–141. doi:10.1177/0884533608314536.
2.Ak, Leung, and Chan Kw. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Advances in Pediatrics 48 (December 2000): 385–408.
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by dietary deficiency of iron intake, chronic loss of blood, gastrointestinal bleeding, pregnancy, malignancy (colorectal cancer), malabsorption and menorrhagia. Iron deficiency anemia is also part of the symptoms of Plummer- Vinson syndrome. Plummer Vinson syndrome’s patient may present with glossitis, esophageal web as well as iron deficiency anemia with an increase risk of developing esophageal carcinoma.
Patient with iron deficiency anemia may present with typically symptoms and signs of anemia such as fatigue, pallor, chest pain and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with identification the source of bleeding which may be occult in nature and consider supplementation of iron.
The investigations may include full blood count and peripheral blood film. The blood test may reveal decreased in serum iron, decreased in serum ferritin and increased in the total iron binding capacity. There will also be decreased level of the hemoglobin and decreased in hematocrit. Peripheral blood film/peripheral blood smear may reveal hypochromic microcytic erythrocytes.
References
1.Clark, Susan F. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Nutrition in Clinical Practice 23, no. 2 (April 1, 2008): 128–141. doi:10.1177/0884533608314536.
2.Ak, Leung, and Chan Kw. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Advances in Pediatrics 48 (December 2000): 385–408.
