Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Pathophysiology:

  • Insufficient iron impedes the synthesis of hemoglobin, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen transported in the blood
  • Results in microcytic (small cell), hypochromic (less color) erythrocytes owing to low concentration of hemoglobin in each cell
• Etiologies:

  • Decreased intake of iron below minimum requirement
  • Chronic blood loss
  • Impaired duodenal absorption of iron
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Severe liver disease
• Clinical Manifestations:

  • Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
  • Fatigue
  • Lethargy
  • Cold intolerance
  • Irritability
  • Brittle hair
  • Spoon-shaped (concave) and ridged nails
  • Stomatitis and glossitis
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Delayed healing
  • Tachycardia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dyspnea
  • Syncope (fainting)