Diseases & Conditions >
This topic is from The 5-Minute Clinical Consult About our sources

Anemia, Iron Deficiency Updated 4/2011

Email       Print Section  |  Print Topic       Add to My Favorites

BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • In-patient Considerations

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • A deficiency in red blood cells, hemoglobin, or blood volume due to decreased iron stores
  • Onset may be acute with rapid blood loss or chronic with poor diet or slow blood loss.
  • System(s) affected: Hemic/Lymphatic/Immunologic
  • Synonym(s): Anemia of chronic blood loss; Hypochromic; Microcytic anemia; Chlorosis
ALERT: Geriatric Considerations
  • 60% of anemias in people >65 years
ALERT: Pediatric Considerations
  • Frequent problem in infants whose major source of nutrition is unfortified cow’s milk and/or juices
ALERT: Pregnancy Considerations
  • Common during pregnancy unless iron supplements are included in the diet
Epidemiology
  • Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in the US.
  • Predominant age: All ages, but especially toddlers and menstruating women ...

You must be logged in to fully access this content.

Sign In
Sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 30-Day FREE Trial now and receive access to all content.

Start free trial!

Have a book code?

Submit your book code to create your FREE standard account.
See Also
Images >
FIGURE 16-7 Iron deficiency anemia. A peripheral smear shows hypochromic and microcytic erythrocytes. Poikilocytosis (irregular shape) and anisocytosis (irregular size) are often observed.Credit: Rubin E., Farber J.L. [1999]. Pathology [3rd ed., p. 1077]. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven
Diseases & Conditions >
DDx/Tx Algorithms >
Related Subjects