Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed in the Private Practice Setting
November 2011
in “
Blood
”
TLDR Early detection and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, especially in premenopausal women, is crucial for rapid symptom improvement.
The study conducted in a community-based hematology-oncology practice over 8 months identified 130 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), predominantly premenopausal women, with heavy menstrual blood loss due to uterine fibroids being the most common cause. Other causes included gastric bypass surgery and gastrointestinal lesions. Symptoms of IDA included tiredness, weakness, brittle nails, hair loss, and pica, with unusual cravings such as ice and non-food items. Laboratory findings showed low ferritin levels and thrombocytosis in some patients. The study emphasized the importance of early identification and treatment of IDA, noting that intravenous iron administration improved symptoms rapidly, including resolving pica within two weeks. The study also reported occasional mild reactions to intravenous iron, which were managed effectively.