Iron Studies Flashcards
1
Q
How can iron be toxic?
A
Catalyses converion of H2O2 to free radicals
2
Q
Where is iron usually lost from the body?
A
Desquamation of epithelia
3
Q
What is haemochromatosis?
A
Multifactorial disease caused by iron excess Causes - Liver disease - Diabetes in late stage - Cardiac dysfunction - Skin pigmentation - Arthropathy - Gonadal dysfunction Strong family history
4
Q
What indicates iron excess in an iron study?
A
High ferritin
High Fe saturation
Low transferrin
5
Q
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?
A
Weakness Fatigue Headache Irritability Sore tongue Angular chelitis Nail changes
6
Q
What are some reasons for too little iron intake?
A
Dietary deficiency Malabsorption - Coeliac disease - Achlorhydria - Bowel resection
7
Q
What are some reasons for too much iron loss?
A
Gut ulceration Tumours Infection Rarer - Intravascular haemolysis - Pulmonary haemosiderosis - EPO therapy - Dialysis
8
Q
What indicates iron deficiency in an iron study?
A
Low ferritin
Low Fe saturation
High transferrin
Anaemia
9
Q
What is the effect of inflammation on iron in the body?
A
Decreased transferrin
Decreased Fe
Increased ferritin
Anaemia of chronic disease
