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.”
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