Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. Etiology:

Iron deficiency anemia results from inadequate iron supply to meet the demands of erythropoiesis. Common causes include:

Increased demand (pregnancy, growth spurts)

Decreased intake (poor diet, malnutrition)

Chronic blood loss (GI bleeding, heavy menstruation, peptic ulcers)

Malabsorption (Celiac disease, gastrectomy)

2. Pathogenesis:

Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis. When iron is deficient:

Decreased heme synthesis → reduced hemoglobin levels

Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs due to impaired hemoglobin production

Increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and decreased serum ferritin

3. Clinical Features:

General: Fatigue, pallor, weakness

Pica: Craving for non-food items (e.g., ice, clay)

Koilonychia: Spoon-shaped nails

Glossitis & Angular cheilitis: Inflammation of tongue & mouth corners

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: Triad of dysphagia, esophageal webs, and iron deficiency anemia

4. Treatment:

Oral iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate)

IV iron (in cases of malabsorption or severe deficiency)

Address underlying cause (e.g., treating GI bleeding)