IDA Flashcards
What is microcytic anemia?
Anemia where red blood cells (RBCs) have an MCV below the normal limit (<80 fL) typically smaller than the nucleus of a lymphocyte.
What are common causes of microcytic anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) thalassemia
How is anemia classified?
By etiology (increased loss decreased production
What are the normal values for RBC indices?
MCV: 80-100 fL MCH: 27-32 pg
What are RBC indices?
Measurements that provide information on RBC size
shape
What does low MCV indicate?
Microcytic anemia commonly associated with iron deficiency or thalassemia.
What does low MCH and MCHC suggest?
Hypochromic anemia often seen in iron deficiency anemia.
What is the main cause of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) globally?
Insufficient dietary intake poor absorption
What are common dietary sources of iron?
Animal sources (meat liver
What is the average daily dietary iron absorption rate?
5-15% which can increase to 20-30% during deficiency or pregnancy.
Where does iron absorption mainly occur?
In the duodenum and upper jejunum facilitated by a low pH environment.
What protein transports iron across the intestinal brush border?
Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT-1).
What happens to iron in the enterocyte?
It is either stored as ferritin or transported to the plasma by ferroportin.
What is the role of transferrin in iron transport?
A liver-produced glycoprotein that transports ferric iron (Fe3+) to tissues particularly the bone marrow.
What is total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)?
The iron-binding sites on all circulating transferrin molecules; typically about 30% occupied.
Which groups have the highest daily iron requirements?
Pregnant women adolescents
What is ferritin?
A water-soluble iron storage protein complex that releases iron for hemoglobin synthesis when needed.
What is hemosiderin?
A water-insoluble iron storage complex stored in bone marrow
What causes increased demand for iron?
lactation Pregnancy
What are the stages of iron deficiency anemia development?
Negative iron balance latent iron deficiency (depleted stores but normal erythropoiesis)
What are the three main effects of iron deficiency?
General anemia symptoms epithelial tissue changes
What are common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Weakness easy fatiguability
What are characteristic epithelial changes in severe iron deficiency?
Koilonychia angular stomatitis
What is Plummer-Vinson syndrome?
A condition with iron deficiency dysphagia
What behavioral symptoms are linked to iron deficiency?
Intellectual impairment hyperactivity
What lab findings suggest iron deficiency anemia?
Low PCV MCV
What is observed on bone marrow examination in IDA?
Micronormoblastic erythropoiesis defective hemoglobinization
What is serum ferritin’s role in IDA diagnosis?
Reflects iron stores; low in IDA but can be falsely elevated in inflammation or malignancy.
How does transferrin receptor level change in IDA?
It increases as cells shed more transferrin receptors into plasma due to low iron.
What is the main treatment for IDA?
Correction of underlying cause oral iron (ferrous sulfate)
What is the expected response to iron therapy in IDA?
Reticulocytosis within 3-7 days Hb rise by 1-2 g/dL in 4 weeks
What are potential causes of non-response to iron therapy?
Poor compliance continued bleeding
