Management Of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Lab Findings:

With strong history relevance and clinical suspicion, we can highly suspect Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Following are the investigation required to confirm anemia.
1) Complete Blood Picture
It will show microcytosis, hypochromia, poikilocytosis, nucleated RBCs i-e
Decreased Hb
Decreased MCV
Decreased MCH
Increase RDW
Lower Reticulocytes
2) Decrease in Serum Ferratin
3) Increase in TIBC
4) Occult blood in stool examination can be seen in early cow milk ingestion.

TREATMENT:

DIETARY MODIFICATION:

It include dark green leafy vegetables like Spinach, Apples, Appricots, Dates, Olives, Mushrooms.

ORAL THERAPY;

Ferrous Sulphate Tablets is most common method of therapy. 

Dosage: 5mg per kg per day in two divided doses.

CONSIDERATIONS:

A) Limit Milk. It will increase dietary iron.

Peripheral Reticulocytosis occurs within 72-96 hours while increase in hemoglobin occurs over 4-30 days.

B) Continue iron for 8 weeks after blood values normalize because depletion of iron occurs in 1 to 3 months after start of treatment.

PARENTERAL THERAPY:

Indications of Parenteral Therapy includes:

1) Malabsorbtion Syndrom

2) Those who cannot tolerate oral therpy.

BLOOD TRANSFUSSION:

Blood transfusion is the most effective method to deliver iron but is not standard method of correcting iron deficiency anemia.

In case of Parasite infestation, Albandazole or Mebendazole or other anti-parasitic drugs are given.