Priyanshi Pachauri: Looking Beyond Symptomatic Treatment in Iron Deficiency Anemia
Priyanshi Pachauri, Clinical Hematologist at Fortis Healthcare, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Iron Deficiency Anemia: Always ask why??
A 33-year-old female presented with anemia.
On evaluation:
- Peripheral smear – microcytic hypochromic picture
- Iron studies – consistent with iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
At first glance, it seemed straightforward. She was started on iron supplementation and showed hematological improvement.
But the real question was — Why did this happen? What was the underlying cause?
In women, iron deficiency anemia is often quickly attributed to menstrual blood loss or inadequate dietary intake.
While these are common causes, as hematologists, we must go a step further — especially when the patient has already received prior treatment for IDA.
This patient had a history of previous iron deficiency that had been treated. That raised concern.
A detailed and mandatory etiological workup was initiated.
The turning point?
Elevated IgA anti-tTG antibodies, which is highly suggestive of Celiac disease — a frequently overlooked but important cause of iron deficiency anemia due to malabsorption.
This case beautifully highlights:
- The importance of looking beyond symptomatic treatment
- The need to identify the root cause of iron deficiency
- The interdisciplinary role of gastroenterology in managing such patients
Iron deficiency anemia is common.
But the cause is not always obvious.
Another reminder that in hematology, every ‘simple’ case deserves thoughtful evaluation.”
Stay updated with Hemostasis Today.
-
Apr 22, 2026, 17:19Ralf Ludwig: Bridging Population Data and Immunology in Inflammatory Diseases
-
Apr 22, 2026, 17:15Giacomo Rossi: Genetic Study Reveals 10 Genes in Hyperemesis Gravidarum
-
Apr 22, 2026, 17:06Maura Boerio: Quantifying Barriers to Care in Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
-
Apr 22, 2026, 17:05Kausik Ray։ Metabolically Healthy Obesity Is Being Re-Evaluated as a High-Risk Condition Needing Closer Attention
-
Apr 22, 2026, 16:58Baba-Jallah Epega: Sickle Cell Resilience Through Patient Voices and Clinical Insight
-
Apr 22, 2026, 16:44Francisco Chacón-Lozsán: Cytokine Storm Is Not Just Inflammation, It Is Organ Failure in Motion
-
Apr 22, 2026, 16:29CBTH 2026 Opens with First Workshop in Germany – European Hematology Association
-
Apr 22, 2026, 16:16Christopher Pittman: Superficial Venous Disease Needs Arterial-Level Follow-Up
-
Apr 22, 2026, 15:47Mohammed Alo: Being Fit Does Not Protect You from High LDL