Iron Deficiency Anemia

Question 1

where is iron stored in the body?

Answer 1

• hemoglobin and myoglobin
• macrophages of bone marrow and spleen
• liver
• transferrin in plasma

Question 2

where is iron absorbed?

Answer 2

duodenum

Question 3

color and size of iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 3

microcytic and hypochromic

Question 4

what are the 2 ways hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis?

Answer 4

• blocks intestinal absorption (duodenum)

- blocks release of iron from macrophages (in bone marrow and spleen) and hepatocytes

Question 5

what affects the amount of hepcidin in the body?

Answer 5

• upregulated by increased serum iron

- downregulated by hypoxia

Question 6

what other anemia does hepcidin have a role in?

Answer 6

anemia of chromic disease

-hepcidin is an acute phase reactant

Question 7

what is iron deficient anemia?

Answer 7

body cannot produce enough hemoglobin which results in a significant reduction in the mass of circulating RBCs

Question 8

what causes iron deficient anemia?

Answer 8

• blood loss (especially from the GI)
• vegetarian diet
• intestinal surgeries
• pregnancy

Question 9

what is one weird clinical manifestation that would make you think your patient has iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 9

pica, especially ice

Question 10

what 3 labs (and their levels) will help you determine that your patient has iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 10

• low serum iron
• elevated TIBC
• low serum ferritin

Question 11

what foods are high in iron and could be suggested to a patient with iron deficient anemia?

Answer 11

• red meat
• lentils
• spinach
• dried fruit