Iron deficiency anemia is condition in which the there is severe enough to diminish erythropoiesis and cause the development of anemia.
What is the Pathology of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
The pathology of iron deficiency anemia is:
-Etiology: The cause of iron deficiency anemia is dietary factors, bleeding, hemoglobinuria, pulmonary hemosiderosis, and hemosiderinuria.
-Genes involved: None.
-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to iron deficiency anemia is as a result of either dietary lack, impaired absorption, increased requirement, or chronic blood loss causing depletion of iron-containing enzymes. This persuades a hypochromic microcytic anemia. At initial stage iron reserve may maintain typical hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Advanced depletion lowers transferrin saturation and serum iron levels, without causing anemia. Anemia occurs after complete depletion of the reserves.
-Morphology: The morphology associated with iron deficiency anemia shows microcytic and hypochromic red cells.
-Histology: The histology associated with iron deficiency anemia shows slight to modest upsurge in erythroid normoblasts.
How does Iron Deficiency Anemia Present?
Patients with iron deficiency anemia typically higher in females present at an age range of below 10 years and during the child bearing age. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with iron deficiency anemia include palpitations, lethargy, fatigue, feeling faint, pallor, weight loss, reduced capillary refill, and headaches.
How is Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed?
Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed clinical presentation, laboratory studies such as CBC count shows microcytic and hypochromic erythropoiesis, elevated platelet count. Peripheral smear, low serum ferritin and iron. Hemoglobin (A2) studies, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, and bone marrow aspiration.
How is Iron Deficiency Anemia Treated?
Iron deficiency anemia is treated through medical care which include parenteral/oral ferrous iron therapy, dietary measures and activity restrictions.
What is the Prognosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
The prognosis of iron deficiency anemia is good as it is an easily managed illness with an exceptional outcome.
