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Samwel Mikaye: Clinical Features and Presentation of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Dr. S.0 MIKAYE / LinkedIn
May 17, 2026, 15:57

Samwel Mikaye: Clinical Features and Presentation of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Samwel Mikaye, Medical Doctor at MSK, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is a type of microcytic hypochromic anaemia caused by inadequate iron for hemoglobin synthesis.

Causes

Increased iron loss

  • Chronic blood loss
  • Heavy menstruation
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Hookworm infestation

Increased iron requirement

  • Pregnancy
  • Rapid growth in children and adolescents

Reduced iron intake

  • Poor diet
  • Malnutrition

Reduced absorption

  • Celiac disease
  • Gastrectomy
  • Chronic diarrhea

Pathophysiology

Iron deficiency leads to reduced hemoglobin production, resulting in:

  • Small red blood cells (microcytic)
  • Pale red blood cells (hypochromic)
  • Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity

Clinical Features

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath

Signs

  • Pallor
  • Brittle nails
  • Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails)
  • Glossitis
  • Angular cheilitis
  • Tachycardia
  • Pica (craving non-food substances)

Investigations

Full blood count

  • Low hemoglobin
  • Low MCV
  • Low MCH

Iron studies

  • Low serum ferritin
  • Low serum iron
  • High total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

Peripheral blood film

  • Microcytic hypochromic cells

Additional tests

  • Stool for occult blood or parasites
  • Endoscopy if gastrointestinal bleeding suspected

Management

Treat underlying cause

  • Control bleeding
  • Treat parasites
  • Improve diet

Iron replacement

Oral iron therapy

Commonly:

  • Ferrous sulfate
  • Ferrous fumarate

Usually continued for about 3 months after hemoglobin normalizes.

Dietary advice

Increase intake of:

  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Beans
  • Green leafy vegetables

Vitamin C improves iron absorption.

Severe cases

  • Blood transfusion if severe symptomatic anaemia
  • Intravenous iron if oral iron not tolerated

Complications

  • Heart failure in severe chronic anaemia
  • Developmental delay in children
  • Reduced immunity
  • Pregnancy complications

Prevention

  • Iron-rich diet
  • Deworming programs
  • Iron supplementation in pregnancy
  • Early treatment of chronic blood loss”

Samwel Mikaye

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