Iron Deficiency Anemia
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia, is a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave a person tired and short of breath.
Symptoms
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
- Poor appetite
Diagnosis: Red blood cell size and color
With iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are smaller and paler in color than normal.
Hematocrit
This is the percentage of your blood volume made up by red blood cells. Normal levels are generally between 35.5 and 44.9 percent for adult women and 38.3 to 48.6 percent for adult men. These values may change depending on age.
Hemoglobin
Lower than normal hemoglobin levels indicate anemia. The normal hemoglobin range is generally defined as 13.2 to 16.6 grams (g) of hemoglobin per deciliter (dL) of blood for men and 11.6 to 15 g/dL for women.
Ferritin
This protein helps store iron in body, and a low level of ferritin usually indicates a low level of stored iron.
Endoscopy
Doctors often check for bleeding from a hiatal hernia, an ulcer or the stomach with the aid of endoscopy.
Colonoscopy
To rule out lower intestinal sources of bleeding.
Treatment
Women may also have a pelvic ultrasound to look for the cause of excess menstrual bleeding, such as uterine fibroids.
Iron supplements
Folic acid 5mg/day
Others
- Medications, such as oral contraceptives to lighten heavy menstrual flow
- Antibiotics and other medications to treat peptic ulcers
- Surgery to remove a bleeding polyp, a tumor or a fibroid
- If iron deficiency anemia is severe, iron is given intravenously (Venofer 100mg/5ml)
- patient may need blood transfusions to help replace iron and hemoglobin quickly