Anemia - Iron-Deficiency Disease Summary

Overview

Anemia is a condition wherein the blood has low levels of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying pigment in whole blood) or hematocrit (intact RBC in the blood) making it insufficient to address the physiological needs of the body as defined in the Introduction section. This section also states the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia due to low iron stores in the body as mentioned in this section.

As much as one third of the world population has anemia, with approximately half of the cases resulting from iron deficiency.  A detailed discussion about the incidence and prevalence of the disease is featured in the Epidemiology section.

The development and rapidity of progress of iron-deficiency anemia depend on the individual’s iron stores, which are, in turn, dependent upon age, sex, rate of growth, and the balance between iron absorption and loss. These factors and effects are discussed further in the Pathophysiology section.

In the Etiology section causes of anemia and iron-deficiency anemia are enumerated and discussed. 

History and Physical Examination

Primary symptoms of anemia are enumerated and further explained in the Clinical Presentation section.

In the History section it is implied that it should be focused on possible etiologies of anemia. While the Physical Examination enumerates the possible physical manifestations of anemia. 

Diagnosis

Information that is necessary in diagnosing anemia and iron-deficiency anemia are featured in the Diagnosis and Diagnostic Criteria section.

In the Screening section, different screening tests that can be done are enumerated and described.

Several laboratory tests and imaging studies to be done to assess the disease are included in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries and Imaging sections.

Other etiologies of microcytic hypochromic anemia are enumerated in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

The underlying cause of iron-deficiency anemia should be treated first or referred to a specialist for specific workup and definite treatment as stated in the Principles of Therapy section.

In the Pharmacological Therapy section, oral and parenteral iron therapy for iron-deficiency anemia management are discussed.

Several non-drug options to consider that may aid in the management of iron-deficiency anemia which include dietary therapy and blood transfusion are featured in the Nonpharmacological section.  

In the Monitoring section, it is stated that correction of iron-deficiency anemia usually occurs within 2-4 months of appropriate therapy. This section discusses the tests to be done to check for effectivity of iron therapy.