Hematology Flashcards
What populations are at agreatest risk of iron deficiency?
- pregnant women
- older adults
What are the major causes of iron deficiency anemia?
- decreased dietary intake
- reduced absorption
- blood loss
What surgery increases the risk of iron def anemia?
bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y)
What are S/S of iron def anemia?
fatigue, weakness, headache, irritability
What does PE of iron def anemia reveal?
pallor
dry or rough skin
atrophic glossitis w/ loss of tongue papillae
cheilosis
koilonychia (spoon nails)
What will labs show in iron def anemia?
Decreased RBC, hemoglobin & hematocrit, absolute reticulocye count, MCV
What is the most useful iron study?
ferritin
What will iron studies show in iron def anemia?
low serum iron level, transferrin saturation level, ferritin level.
high serum transferrin and total iron-binding capacity
Tx for iron def anemia
oral iron
IV iron if ongoing blood loss, issues with adequate absorption (e.g., after gastric or bariatric surgery), and intolerable gastrointestinal side effects with oral iron.