29. Iron Def Anaemia

Question 1

Outline the aetiology and pathophysiology of iron def anaemia?

Answer 1

• Dietary def (poverty, lack of education, coeliac disease)

- Recurrent IDA = meckels diverticulum, oesophagitis

Question 2

How does iron def anaemia present in children?

Answer 2

• Decreased psychomotor development
• Poor cognition
• Pale or sallow (yellow) skin
• Pale cheeks and lips
• Lining of the eyelids and the nail beds may look less pink than normal
• Irritability
• Mild weakness
• Tiring easily, napping more frequently

Question 3

How should suspected iron def be Ix?

Answer 3

Hx = travel, diet, ethnic origin

MCV = <70fL

WCC

ESR/CRP = ? chronic

Blood film

Reticulocyte count

Question 4

Outline the correct Mx for iron def anaemia in children

Answer 4

Ferrous fumarate syrup

Poor compliance = iron spangles which ca be poured to yogurt/ice cream

Aim for Hb rise of >10g/L/m

Question 5

What are the possible complications of iron def anaemia in children?

Answer 5

Depression

Heart problems

Increased risk of infections

Motor or cognitive development delays