Week 10: Iron deficiency/ overload

Question 1

Where is iron normally absorbed in the GI tract

Answer 1

Duodenum and upper jejunum

Question 2

Most common cause of iron deficiency worldwide

Answer 2

Hookworm infestation

Question 3

Most common cause of iron deficiency in women of reproductive age

Answer 3

• Heavy periods

- Pregnancy (cos foetus also needs iron)

Question 4

What kind of anaemia does iron deficiency result in

Answer 4

Microcytic anaemia

Question 5

In haemochromatosis which organs does iron tend to accumulate in

Answer 5

• Liver
• Pancreas
• Heart
• Skin

Question 6

Factors which can affect rate of iron accumulation

Answer 6

• Alcohol use

- Menstruation

Question 7

What gene is associated with haemochromatosis.

Mode of inheritance

Answer 7

HFE

Autosomal recessive

Question 8

Transferrin, ferritin, total iron binding capacity levels in haemochromatosis

Answer 8

Transferrin >50% (low TIBC)

High ferritin

Question 9

Presentation of haemochromatosis

• MSK
• liver
• endocrine
• cardiac

Answer 9

MSK: grey/ bronze skin; joint pain due to calcification of hyaline cartilage

Liver: Hepatomegaly, hepatitis, fibrosis, HCC

Endocrine: Diabetes, Hypogonadism, Hypothyriodism, Hypo-PTH, Adrenal insufficiency

Cardiac: Cardiomyopathy, Heart failure, Arhythymias

Question 10

Most common causes of death in pts with haemochromatosis

Answer 10

Liver cirrhosis and HCC (due to iron accumulation in liver)