Definition & Etiology

Definition

• Microcytic hypochromic anaemia: ßHB, ßMCV, ßFerritin
• Iron studies will show ßTransferrin saturation, ÝTIBC, ÝTransferrin
• Common in the South Asian community
• Impacts 30% of the world
• Spectrum from iron depletion to iron deficiency anaemia
• Decrease in haemoglobin by 2 standard deviations from the normal level for age & sex
• Males: <130 g/L
• Non-pregnant females: <120 g/L
• Children 2-14 years: <120 g/L
• Postpartum: <100 g/L
• Pregnancy: – 1st trimester >110 g/L
• 2nd/3rd trimester >105 g/L
• throughout pregnancy <110

Etiology

Four main categories:

• Dietary changes
• Malabsorption: celiac disease, gastrectomy, H. pylori – Increased loss:
• Childbirth blood loss
• Menorrhagia: most common in premenopausal women/teenagers o GI causes in men/postmenopausal women: aspirin, NSAIDs, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ulcers o Exercise
• Increased requirements: Pregnancy: 3x increased requirements