Iron Deficiency Anemia Flashcards
Iron Deficiency Anemia- Risk factors
■ 3%-7% of children at age 1 suffer from IDA
■ 9% of girls between 12 and 19 develop anemia
■ Also common in GI disorders affecting the duodenum
– Celiac
– Chrons
– Giardiasis
– Resection of the proximal small intestine
■ Other risk factors
– Prematurity, exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months, feeding problems, low socioeconomic status, obesity, Hispanic or Asian descent
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Effects of IDA
■ Iron deficient states in the first few years of life are associated with subsequent cognitive deficits
– The brain grows to 95% of it’s adult size by age 2
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Clinical Findings ■ Irritable or restless ■ PICA ■ Pagophagia ■ Anorexia ■ Developmental delays ■ Physical exam- typically normal
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Diagnosis
■ CBC with diff
■ If microcytic, hypochromic anemia- think IDE
■ Begin iron therapy. If there is no response within 1 month then move to a more extensive workup
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Treatment
■ 3 to 6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron
– 3 mg/kg daily per dose
■ Reassess Hgb/Hct, retic count in 1 month
■ Continue iron supplementation for 2 to 4 months to replace depleted stores
■ Recheck levels 6 months after supplementation has stopped
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Anticipatory Guidance ■ Increase iron in food sources – Pureed meats – Kix cereal as a snack ■ Avoid cow’s milk in children <12 months ■ Goat milk should not be the sole diet for the child ■ Give iron with milk or meals ■ Vit C aids in absorption ■ Soy can inhibit absorption ■ Stool will generally turn black
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