[39] Iron Deficiency Anaemia Flashcards
What is anaemia defined as?
A Hb below the normal range
Is the normal Hb range consistent with age?
No, it varies
What is anaemia defined as in neonates?
Hb below 140g/L
What is anaemia defined as in children aged 1 month-12 years?
Hb below 100g/L
What is anaemia defined as in children aged 1 year to 12 years?
Hb less than 110g/L
What can anaemia result from?
A number of different mechanisms
Give an example of a mechanism by which anaemia can result?
Reduced red cell production due to ineffective erythropoiesis
What can cause reduced red cell production due to ineffective erythropoiesis?
Iron deficiency
What is the importance of iron deficiency as a cause of anaemia?
It is one of the most common causes of anaemia
What is iron?
A mineral
What is iron important for?
Formation of red blood cells in the body, particularly as a critical component of haemoglobin
How is iron absorbed?
Primarily in the small intestine, in particular the duodenum and jejenum
What happens to iron after being absorbed in the small intestine?
It travels through the blood bound to transferrin, and eventually ends up in the bone marrow, where it is involved in RBC formation
What happens to iron when RBCs are degraded?
The iron is recycled by the body and stored
What are the main causes of iron deficiency?
- Inadequate intake
- Malabsorption
- Blood loss
Who is inadequate iron intake common in?
Infants
Why is inadequate iron intake common in infants?
Because additional iron is required for the increase in blood volume accompanying growth, and to build up the child’s iron stores
What sources might iron come from?
- Breastmilk
- Infant formula
- Cow’s milk
- Solid’s introduced at weaning
Describe the iron content of breastmilk
It has a low iron content, but 50% is absorbed
Describe the iron content of infant formula
It is supplemented with adequate amounts of iron
Describe the iron content of cow’s milk
It has a higher content than breastmilk, but only about 10% is absorbed
In terms of diet, why might iron deficiency occur?
- Introduction of mixed feeding beyond 6 months old
- Diet with insufficient iron-rich foods
When is iron absorption markedly increased?
When eaten with food rich in vitamin D
When are most infants and children asymptomatic until?
Hb drops below 60-70g/L
