IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

 

Introduction: Iron-deficiency anemia typically results when the intake of dietary iron is inadequate for hemoglobin synthesis. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in all age groups, and it is the most common anemia in the world. The most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia in men and postmenopausal women is bleeding from ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or GI tumors. PEPTIC ULCERS,  The most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia in premenopausal women are menorrhagia that is to say, excessive menstrual bleeding and pregnancy with inadequate iron supplementation. Patients with chronic alcoholism often have chronic blood loss from the GI tract, which causes iron loss and eventual anemia. Other causes include iron malabsorption, as is seen after gastrectomy or with celiac disease.

Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms of anemia. Symptoms in more severe or prolonged cases: smooth, sore tongue; brittle and ridged nails; angular cheilosis (mouth ulceration)

Assessment and Diagnostic Methods: Bone marrow aspiration. Laboratory values, including serum ferritin levels (indicates iron stores), blood cell count (hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, MCV), serum iron level, and total iron-binding capacity

Medical Management: Search for the cause, which may be a curable GI cancer or uterine fibroids. Test stool specimens for occult blood. People aged 50 years or older should have periodic colonoscopy, endoscopy, or x-ray examination of the GI tract to detect ulcerations, gastritis, polyps, or cancer. Administer prescribed iron preparations (oral, intramuscular [IM], or IV). Have patient continue iron preparations for 6 to 12 months.

RELATED;

1. BLOOD AND ITS COMPONENTS

2. BIOMOLECULES AND CHEMICALS OF LIFE

3.  OTHER TYPES OF ANEMIA

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