iron deficiency anaemia

Question 1

what is iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 1

iron is needed to make Hb in RBC -> deficiency of iron means reduction in RBC/hb

Question 2

causes of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 2

excessive blood loss
inadequate dietary intake
poor intestinal absorption
increased iron requirements

Question 3

presentation of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 3

fatigue
SOB
palpitations
pallor
nail changes: koilonychia
hair loss
angular stomatitis

Question 4

investigations for iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 4

history: diet, medication, menstrual, weight loss
FBC
serum ferritin: likely be low
Total iron-binding capacity/transferrin: will be high
blood film
endoscopy: in males and post menopause females

Question 5

FBC results in iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 5

hypochromic microcytic anaemia

Question 6

blood film findings in iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 6

anisopoikilocytosis
target cells
pencil poikilocytes

Question 7

management of iron deficiency anaemia

Answer 7

underlying cause identified
oral ferrous sulfate: 3 months after
iron rich diet: dark green leafy veg, meat