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Pathology
Chronic iron deficiency leads to iron deficient red cells and tissue hypoxia.
Total body Iron = 4g.
Iron is absorbed in the duodenum, transported in blood via transferrin and
stored as ferritin
Aetiology
Blood loss, dietary deficiency, malabsorption
Signs
Blood loss, dietary deficiency, malabsorption
Symptoms
Fatigue.
Investigations
Hb (low), Serum ferritin (low), serum iron (low), transferrin saturation
(low), total iron binding capacity (low),
Imaging: OGD/Colonoscopy
Treatment
Conservative: Dietary advice
Medical: Oral ferrous sulphate, treat underlying cause
Prognosis
Good
Usually none, lethargy
Key Facts
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Key Images
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Key References
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