Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in which usually intake of iron is not enough. Women with heavy menstrual periods, pregnant, people with major surgery or gastrointestinal disease such as celiac disease, IBD, vegetarians and children are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia. Red blood cells tend to be microcytic and hypochromic and iron stores are low, by serum level ferritin and low serum total iron-binding capacity. Symptoms of iron deficiency of anemia are associated with reduced oxygen delivery and include: fatigue, chest pain, weakness, rapid heartbeat, headache, picophagi, fragile nails and hair loss. (See the algorithm)
Lab tests:
CBC with Platelet Count and Automated Differential
Reticulocytes, Percent and Number
Blood Smear with Interpretation
Serum Iron and Iron Binding Capacity
Ferritin
Vitamin B12
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
Soluble transferrin Receptor
Erythrocyte Porphyrin (EP)
References:
1. offbrand V, Provan D. ABC of clinical haematology. Macrocytic anaemias. BMJ 1997; 314:430.
2. Colon-Otero G, Menke D, Hook CC. A practical approach to the differential diagnosis and evaluation of the adult patient with macrocytic anemia. Med Clin North Am 1992; 76:581.
3. d’Onofrio G, Chirillo R, Zini G, et al. Simultaneous measurement of reticulocyte and red blood cell indices in healthy subjects and patients with microcytic and macrocytic anemia. Blood 1995; 85:818.
4. Houwen B. Reticulocyte maturation. Blood Cells 1992; 18:167.
