Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common medical problem that affects an estimated 30-50% of the world's population. The causes of IDA are malnutrition, rapid growth with improper dietary iron, blood loss through gastrointestinal tract or menstruation. The genetic factors of iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia have also been identified. Previous studies on the theory of hepcidin-based homeostatic regulation have helped increase our understanding of iron metabolism. Symptoms of anemia may include non-specific symptoms, such as pale appearance, fatigue, weakness, and decreased appetite, as well as impaired neurocognitive functions, including delay mental development and restless leg syndrome. IDA can be diagnosed by laboratory findings. The conventional tests that are typically performed to diagnose IDA include hemoglobin level, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin level, as well as soluble transferrin receptor, hepcidin level, zinc protoporphyrin, reticulocyte hemoglobin content. Treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis, and both oral and parenteral iron can be used. Symptoms improve quickly after treatment; however, the diagnosis and treatment of IDA is rather overlooked. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the disease process of IDA, make an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe essential iron supplements to patients with symptoms.

Keywords

• iron deficiency
• anemia
• hepcidin