Pathogenesis (development of disease) Iron deficiency anemia (microcytic hypochromic anemia) is a form of anemia caused by a blood formation disorder. In this case, the formation of hemoglobin (blood pigment) is disturbed due to the lack of iron. This leads to a decrease in erythrocyte volume (mean cell size of red blood cells; MCV ↓) … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes
General measures Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on existing disease. Regular check-ups Regular medical checkups Nutritional medicine Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things: A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Therapy
Therapeutic target Normalization of the iron balance Therapy recommendations Iron supplementation (iron substitution; underlying disease must be treated independently) should be given whenever there is manifest iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin (Hb) ≥ 8 g/dl, oral iron supplementation; intake on an empty stomach results in 20% higher absorption/uptake (parenteral substitution (here: into the vein) only in … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of abdominal organs) – for suspected hepatopathies (liver diseases), renal dysfunction or tumors. Gastroscopy (gastroscopy) – on suspicion of chronic intestinal (“intestinal concerning”) blood loss … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Diagnostic Tests
A deficiency symptom may indicate that there is an insufficient supply of vital nutrients (micronutrients). The complaint iron deficiency anemia indicates a vital nutrient deficiency for: Vitamin A Iron Within the framework of micronutrient medicine, the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for prevention: Iron Within the framework of micronutrient medicine, the following vital substances … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Micronutrient Therapy
Depending on the exact cause of iron deficiency anemia, surgery may need to be performed. Therapy for chronic intestinal bleeding is based on four pillars: Drug therapy (e.g., proton pump inhibitors (PPI)/acid blockers, intravenous iron replacement/optionally also blood transfusions, specific therapy in e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease). Endoscopic (e.g., subcutaneous injection, coagulation, clip (e.g., … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Surgical Therapy
To prevent iron deficiency anemia, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Unbalanced diet Vegetarian, vegan Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – iron; see Prevention with micronutrients. Physical activity Athletes Blood donor Other risk factors Bloodletting as therapy for other blood disorders Medication Antiprotozoal Analogue of the azo dye trypan … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Prevention
In most cases, a mild form of anemia (anemia) is not detected until a laboratory test is performed. However, the following symptoms and complaints may indicate iron deficiency anemia: Leading symptoms Abnormal binge eating Alopecia (hair loss) Aphthae (painful, erosive mucosal changes) on the oral mucosa. Exertional dyspnea – shortness of breath on exertion. Exercise … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by iron deficiency anemia: Blood, blood-forming organs – Immune system (D50-D90). Increased susceptibility to infection Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99) Aphthae on the oral mucosa Pale skin/mucous membranes Brittle nails Hair loss Koilonychia – curvature of the fingernails Mouth corner rhagades Xeroderma … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) [pallor of skin/mucous membranes, aphthae on oral mucosa, rhagades of the corners of the mouth (cracks in the corners of the mouth), brittle nails, koilonychia (curvature of fingernails), dry … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count [microcytic hypochromic anemia: MCV (mean corpuscular volume; mean individual red cell volume/volume of a single red blood cell) ↓ → microcytic MCH (engl. mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (= mean hemoglobin content per erythrocyte)) ↓ → hypochromic MCHC (engl. mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Test and Diagnosis
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Family history Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed … Iron Deficiency Anemia: Medical History
