Abstract:
Iron deficiency anemia is the most frequent form of anemia worldwide. In developing countries, it is normally caused by malnutrition or parasitosis. In western countries, the most frequent cause is a chronic loss of blood (menometrorrhagia, ulcer disease, carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, hematuria).
Clinical picture:
The typical symptoms of anemia exist. Moreover, iron deficiency can lead to nail abnormalities, angular cheilosis (perlèche), glossitis and dysphagia (Plummer-Vinson syndrome).
Hematology:
Iron deficiency anemia is typically hypochromic microcytic. In the blood film, microcytosis and hypochromia are found, in addition to a distinct anisocytosis and poikilocytosis. Thrombocytosis is also not uncommon. A decreased serum iron, increased iron binding capacity, and decreased serum ferritin confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.