Iron-deficiency anaemia

Disease class: anaemia, Hypochromic
Disease class: Iron metabolism disorders

This is a microcytic, hypochromic anaemia. There is deficient production of haemoglobin, caused by a lack of available iron.

 

Investigations

• Full blood count: microcytic (small cells), hypochromic (weak colour) anaemia. This means that the erythrocytes are too small, and too pale.

 

Causes

• Nutritional deficiency   
• Increased demand for iron
• E.g. secondary to pregnancy.
• Haemorrhage 
• Menorrhagia 
• Melena (upper GI tract bleeding)
• Hematochezia (lower GI tract bleeding) 

 

See also

• Nutrients