Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

When the body has insufficient iron levels to support red blood cell production

Question 2

What is the definition of anaemia?

Answer 2

Males= 13g/DL/ 113g/L, Females= 12g/DL 112g/L

Question 3

What are the causes? (4)

Answer 3

Excessive blood loss, dietary iron inadequacy, absorption failure e.g coeliac, times of greater need e.g growth or pregnancy

Question 4

Is it common?

Answer 4

Yes, 2-5% of adults have IDA

Question 5

Who is affected?

Answer 5

It is common in growing children and up to 14% of menstruating women

Question 6

Symptoms (11)

Answer 6

Fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, sore tongue, taste disturbance, hair loss, pruritis, headache, tinnitus, angina, dysphagia

Question 7

Signs (5)

Answer 7

Koilonichia, atrophic glossitis, angular stomatitis, Pale palmar creases, pale conjunctiva

Question 8

What bloods would you do?

Answer 8

FBC, Blood Film, Serum Iron, Serum Ferritin, Investigate cause e.g endoscopy, urinalysis, coeliac screen

Question 9

What would an FBC show? (3)

Answer 9

Low mean cell volume, Low mean cell haemoglobin, Low mean cell haematocrit

Question 10

What would a blood film show?

Answer 10

Microcytic, Hypochromic erythrocytes

Question 11

Differentials? (4)

Answer 11

Thalassaemia, Sideroblastic anaemia, Anaemia of Chronic disease, Lead Poisoning

Question 12

Treatment (3)

Answer 12

Oral Ferrous Sulphate 200mg/8 hours, promote eating iron rich foods, (parenteral iron reserved for unsuccessful oral therapy), treat underlying cause, check Hb at 2-4 months then continue therapy for a further 3 months

Question 13

Side Effects of Iron Salts (6)

Answer 13

Constipation, black stools, diarrhoea, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain