Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Excerpt

Anemia is defined as hemoglobin below two standard deviations of the mean for the age and gender of the patient. Iron is an essential component of the hemoglobin molecule. The most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency, which results in microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells on peripheral smear. Causes of iron deficiency vary based on age, gender, and socioeconomic status. The patient often presents with nonspecific complaints, such as fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Diagnosis relies on laboratory assessment, typically with low hemoglobin and low ferritin, although ferritin is also elevated in the presence of inflammation. Treatment involves reversing the underlying condition and providing iron supplementation. Iron supplementation is most often oral, but certain patients may require intravenous iron. Patients with iron-deficient anemia have been found to have longer hospital stays, along with a higher number of adverse events.