Iron Deficiency Anaemia Flashcards
Location of malabsorption in iron absorption
- duodenum
- jejunum
Why is acidity required for iron absorption
Keeps iron in ferrous (Fe2+) state
Microcytic ID anaemia
RBC w/ less Hb
Poikilocytosis ID anaemia
RBC diff shapes
Anisocytosis ID anaemia
RBC diff sizes
Insufficient dietary iron is the most common cause of IDA in what age group
Children
+++ iron requirement is often the cause of IDA in
Pregnant women
Iron loss due to bleeding is a common cause of IDA in
Women & periods
Inadequate Fe absorption is a common cause of IDA in
GI pathology
Impact of PPI on soluble Fe
— since — acid
Why are babies & veggies at risk of IDA
- low Fe in milk
- non-haem Fe in vegg harder to absorb
IDA specific symptoms
- koilonychia
- hair loss
- pica
- brittle hair & nails
Plummer Vinson syndrome features (2)
- atrophic glossitis
- angular chelitis
IDA blood film shows (3)
- hypochromic RBCs
- anisopoikilocytosis
- multiple pencil cells
Anti-TTG Abs are found in
Coeliac disease patients
Low ferritin indicates
Anaemia
High ferritin indicates (2)
- inflammation
- iron overload
Increased TIBC (total iron binding capacity)
Iron deficiency
Decreased TIBC
Iron overload
Less saturated transferrin
Less iron
More saturated transferred
More iron
Fastest —> slowest; most —> least invasive Mx options
- blood transfusions
- iron infusion
- oral iron (ferrous sulphate)
Pro & con of blood transfusions
- corrects anaemia
- NOT underlying deficiency
Other than anaphylaxis, what other things should u avoid when giving iron infusion
Sepsis
Notable side effects of oral iron
- constipation
- black stool
Oral iron is contraindicated if IDA is caused by
Malabsorption
Patients over the age of 60 who present with iron deficiency anaemia should be investigated for
Colorectal cancer (colonoscopy)
Men of any age with a Hb below … should be referred for upper and lower GI endoscopy as a …
- 110g/L
- 2ww
