Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Concept and Etiology: Iron deficiency anemia disorder occurs when the body lacks
sufficient supply of iron necessary to produce hemoglobin content vital to oxygen
distribution (Story, 2017). Hemoglobin is a protein that exists in the red blood cells
or erythrocytes that binds to oxygen producing the red color. With iron deficiency
anemia, the body’s state of health is impaired because cellular functions suffer
from oxygen delivery due to the reduction of hemoglobin content (ASH, 2021). It
is the most common form of anemia worldwide. Persons who are at high risk of
developing iron deficiency anemia include women who are pregnant or of
childbearing age, the elderly and, children under the age of two years old (Story,
2017). The main causes of iron deficiency anemia include decreased iron
consumption such as diets not rich in iron foods, increased blood loss due to
menstruation, severe trauma or major surgery and decreased iron absorption by the
body (ASH, 2021). It can also be caused by other conditions or diseases such as
cancer, kidney failure, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases and other
blood related disorders (ASH, 2021).
• Classification: Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly acquired however, it can
also be classified as an inherited disorder (Story, 2017).
• Clinical Manifestations: Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may include
unexplained headaches, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite or unusual
food cravings. Signs of iron deficiency anemia may include pallor of the skin,
dyspnea, tachycardia, brittle nails and cyanosis of the sclera of eyes and delayed
healing of wounds (Story, 2017).
• Diagnostic Tests: Tests that may be performed to diagnose iron deficiency anemia
include a complete blood count (CBC), faecal occult blood test (test for blood in
stool), urine blood test, tests for serum ferritin, serum iron and iron saturation.
References
American Society of Haematology (ASH)., (2021). Iron- Deficiency Anemia.
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
Story, L. (2017). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach, (3rd ed).
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781284142983
