Haematological: Iron deficiency anaemia Flashcards
what is anaemia?
low haemoglobin
Hb <130g/L (male) or <120g/L (female)
what are some causes of iron deficiency anaemia?
- decreased iron intake (diet, gastric surgery, coeliac)
- increased iron loss (unknown bleeding, peptic ulcer etc)
- increased iron requirements (pregnancy, infancy, lactation).
when might a patient have an increased demand for iron?
- pregnancy
- growth spurts in infancy and adolescence
what are some risk factors for iron deficiency anaemia?
- female
- infants and children
- vegan diet
- frequent blood donors
- haemodialysis
- coeliac disease
- NSAID use (and aspirin)
what are some clinical features of iron deficiency anaemia?
- fatigue
- pica
- nail. changes (thinning, flattening, koilonychia)
- hair loss
- impaired muscular performance
- glossitis and angular stomatitis
- gastritis
- restless legs syndrome
- pale skin
- SOB
- headache/dizziness
- cold hands and feet
which conditions present in a similar way to iron deficiency anaemia?
- thalassaemia
- sideroblastic anaemias
- anaemia of chronic disease
- lead poisoning
what investigations would you conduct to confirm a diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia?
- full blood count
If results of the FBC show a low haemoglobin and low mean cell volume (MCV) check the ferritin level.
what is the treatment for iron deficiency anaemia?
Oral iron replacement (ferrous sulfate, or ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate).
if left untreated, what complications may occur from iron deficiency anaemia?
- heart problems
- problems during pregnancy
- growth problems
