Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common form of anaemia. Causes include decreased iron intake, increased iron loss, and increased iron requirements.

Clinical history, presentation, and findings include fatigue, pallor, dyspnoea on exertion, and pica.

Blood tests reveal microcytic, hypochromic anaemia; low reticulocyte count.

Other laboratory findings include low serum iron, increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), less than 16% transferrin saturation, and low serum ferritin.

Diagnosis of IDA requires investigation of the underlying cause.

Treatment includes oral or intravenous iron replacement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anaemia as haemoglobin <130 g/L (13 g/dL) in men aged ≥15 years, <120 g/L (12 g/dL) in non-pregnant women aged ≥15 years, and <110 g/L (11 g/dL) in pregnant women.[1]World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. 2011 [internet publication]. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/85839 Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common type of anaemia.[2]World Health Organization. The global prevalence of anaemia in 2011. 2015 [internet publication]. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/85839 [3]Kassebaum NJ, Jasrasaria R, Naghavi M, et al. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. Blood. 2014 Jan 30;123(5):615-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3907750 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24297872?tool=bestpractice.com Causes include decreased iron intake, increased iron loss, and increased iron requirements. The cause is unknown in some cases.