Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Question 1

What type of anaemic is iron deficiency?

Answer 1

Microcytic, hypochromic anaemia with low ferritin

Question 2

Aetiology of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 2

Dietary deficiency (most common cause in children)

Loss of iron e.g. heavy menstruation

Inadequate iron absorption e.g. Crohn’s

Increased iron requirements e.g. during rapid periods of growth

Question 3

Clinical features of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 3

Most asymptomatic until Hb below 60-70

Fatigue

SOBOE

Palpitations

Pallor

Nail changes e.g. koilonychia

Hair loss

Atrophic glossitis

Question 4

Investigations in iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 4

FBC: hypochromic microcytic anaemia

Serum ferritin: low as correlates with iron stores

Total iron-binding capacity: high (reflects low iron stores)

Question 5

Management of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 5

Treat underlying cause

Correct anaemia

Input from dietician can be helpful

Supplement with ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumarate (slowly corrects deficiency)

Blood transfusions rarely necessary