Iron deficiency

Question 1

Explain the role of iron in erythropoiesis

Answer 1

20mg required per day

= fuel for erythropoiesis

Question 2

Recall 2 possible causes of iron loss

Answer 2

Desquamated cells of skin/ gut

Menstruation

Question 3

Recall how much iron is provided by the human diet daily, and the main sources of this

Answer 3

12-15mg/day

Meat, fish, vegetables, whole grain cereals, chocolate

Question 4

In what state is iron absorbed?

Answer 4

Ferrous Fe2+

Question 5

What is the cellular iron exporter called and how is it controlled?

Answer 5

Ferroportin:

controlled by HEPICIDIN (which is controlled by negative feedback of iron)

Question 6

What binds iron in circulation?

Answer 6

Transferrin

Question 7

Recall 4 causes of iron deficiency

Answer 7

Bleeding
Increased usage (growth/ pregnancy)
Dietary deficiency
Malabsorption (coeliac)

Question 8

What are the 2 possible main clinical features of iron deficiency

Answer 8

IDA or ACD

Question 9

What is the main haematological feature of iron deficiency

Answer 9

Microcytic erythrocytes

Question 10

Recall the serum iron level in IDA, ACD and thalassaemia

Answer 10

IDA: low
ACD: low
thalassaemia: high

Question 11

Recall the ferritin level in IDA, ACD and thalassaemia

Answer 11

IDA: low
ACD: high
Thalassaemia: high

Question 12

Recall the transferrin level in IDA and ACD

Answer 12

IDA: low
ACD: normal or low

Question 13

What is the equivalent test to transferrin levels?

Answer 13

Total iron binding capacity