Iron deficiency anemia is average. Iron deficiency anemia in children and adults - symptoms and treatment

Diseases of the blood belong to an extensive group of pathologies of the hematopoietic system, the study and treatment of which are carried out by general practitioners and hematologists. These diseases are characterized by a change in the cellular structure of leukocytes and other blood cells, a shift in the leukocyte formula, a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the erythrocyte and platelet mass. To diagnose such disorders, a blood test is performed, but in some cases additional methods are required. The most common disease of the hematopoietic system is anemia, popularly called anemia.

In about 65-68% of patients, an iron deficiency type of anemia is detected, the main cause of which is inadequate or unbalanced nutrition, as well as impaired absorption and assimilation of iron - the main element involved in the transport of oxygen to organs and tissues. Secondary iron deficiency anemia can develop against the background of chronic blood loss of varying intensity (hemoptysis during tuberculosis infection, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, intermenstrual vaginal bleeding), therefore, the treatment of pathology is always complex and begins with the treatment of the underlying disease and elimination of the provoking factor.

A complication of anemia can be disturbances in the work of the brain, vascular and endocrine systems, as well as the heart muscle - the main organ of the human body, which has a fibromuscular structure and provides blood flow through the arteries and vessels. If a person is deficient in iron, they develop acute or chronic tissue hypoxia. As a result of insufficient oxygen supply, the likelihood of focal damage to the brain tissues (stroke), as well as insufficient blood circulation in the tissues of the heart, and necrotic lesions of myocytes (myocardial infarction) developing against this background, increases.

In children, iron deficiency anemia can cause severe developmental delay, lag behind peers in anthropometric indicators, and metabolic disorders. In infancy, this increases the risk of hydrocephalus (dropsy of the brain) and rickets, a systemic disease of bone tissue, characterized by active leaching of essential minerals and increased bone fragility.

Important! It is possible to detect signs of anemia after passing a general blood test and determining the level of hemoglobin (in women and children it should not be lower than 120 g / l, in men this figure is slightly higher - 130-140 g / l). If a person is not registered with chronic diseases, it is recommended to take a blood test 2 times a year.

The first alarming symptoms

Iron deficiency anemia is a predominantly chronic disease that develops against the background of a consistently low intake of iron in the body or its increased consumption (with abundant and regular blood loss). The first signs of iron deficiency rarely cause concern, since they cannot be called typical and pronounced clinical symptoms, but they must be known. Doctors refer to the initial manifestations of iron deficiency anemia:

  • violation of the structure and appearance of the skin and hair (dullness, fragility, loss);
  • severe weakness, the need for daytime sleep;
  • frequent headaches that arise in isolation from the effects of any external factors;
  • changes in the work of taste receptors;
  • copious fluid intake due to constant thirst.

At an early stage of anemia, a person becomes lethargic, he loses interest in the events taking place around him, and a desire for solitude arises. Even minor physical activity causes fatigue, which can even manifest with physical symptoms, such as mild pain in the limbs. In the morning, the patient wakes up hard, and attacks of headache, compression in the temporal lobe and dizziness intensify in the first hour after waking up.

Typical symptoms of anemia: what to look for?

If the level of hemoglobin (a protein involved in the transport of oxygen to organs and tissues) remains stably low for several weeks, the symptoms of pathology become more pronounced and manifest as a complex. Headaches and signs of asthenic syndrome - chronic fatigue syndrome - intensify. In some cases, the patient's working capacity is completely reduced: he cannot concentrate on performing the assigned tasks, forgets important information, and becomes distracted.

At this stage, signs of iron deficiency anemia become noticeable even without the use of specialized diagnostic tests. A person's hair becomes very thin, the work of the hair follicles is disrupted, the nails often break and take the form of an elongated spoon. Simultaneously with general fatigue, there are signs of myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness, decreased tone of muscle fibers). It is difficult for a person to hold heavy objects in their hands, especially if for this you need to stretch your arms forward. After walking, weakness appears in the legs and even after a short distance traveled, rest is required.

Symptoms typical of anemia are also considered:

  • pallor of the skin (in the summer - bad tan);
  • dry skin, increased age spots, the appearance of flaky areas;
  • seizures in the corners of the mouth and lips.

Note! A characteristic clinical symptom of anemia in iron deficiency is the need to consume substances with a specific smell and taste (lime, chalk).

One of the symptoms of the disease is the need to consume substances with a specific smell and taste (lime, chalk)

How do clinically severe forms of anemia manifest?

With iron deficiency anemia, which persists for several months, the signs already concern the work of other body systems, so it is impossible not to notice them. The systemic manifestations of a stable decrease in hemoglobin include the following disorders:

  • frequent pain in the stomach and epigastrium, as well as digestive disorders;
  • headaches that turn into dizziness (short-term fainting may occur);
  • changes in the heart (shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances);
  • constant sleepiness, even with a good night's rest.

Important! In people with chronic anemia caused by iron deficiency, the activity of the immune system is reduced, which is why such people often suffer from respiratory diseases and intestinal infections. They may have chronic inflammatory lesions of the larynx (tonsillitis), as well as recurrent forms of ARVI - up to 4-6 times a year.

Features of symptoms in women

In women, grade 2-3 iron deficiency anemia can be manifested by a decrease in the level of estrogen (female sex hormones), which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of vaginal lubrication and increases the likelihood of developing dysbiosis. The frequency, volume and consistency of vaginal discharge may also change, but they should have a mucous transparent structure, and any unpleasant odor should be absent. Dryness of the vaginal membranes leads to itching and burning sensations, and during intimacy, a woman may experience discomfort and even severe pain, therefore, with such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, and use condoms or special lubricants during sexual intercourse.

How not to miss a disease in children?

A decrease in hemoglobin in children is almost always asymptomatic. This category of patients is considered the most vulnerable to the development of acute iron deficiency, therefore, it is recommended to donate blood to children under the age of 7-10 3-4 times a year. In order to prevent serious violations on the part of the hematopoietic system and other important organs of the child's body, parents should pay attention to any changes in the child's behavior that are not characteristic of his character and temperament.

The following signs should alert you:

  • poor appetite;
  • decreased academic performance;
  • Difficulty memorizing short poems and other small information
  • drowsiness;
  • lack of desire to take part in games with peers;
  • frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

Treatment: basics, regimen and preparations

Iron deficiency anemia is considered a form of anemia, dependent on the patient's diet, therefore, treatment always begins with a correction of the diet. The foods that must be present in the diet of adults and children for the prevention of iron deficiency are listed in the table below.

Table. Products for the treatment and prevention of anemia.

Product groupWhat is?

Pomegranates (most of all iron in Peruvian pomegranates), apples (especially green), seasonal apricots and prunes, bananas, persimmons.

Red meat (veal, beef, lamb, lamb). There is less iron in pork than in beef, but more than in some fruits, so it can also be included in the menu 1-2 times a week.

Basil, cilantro, rosemary, mint.

Bell peppers, potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, spinach, garlic.

Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin or red blood cell counts in the blood fall below normal levels.

Blood consists of a liquid part - plasma and three types of cells:

  • leukocytes - white blood cells - are part of the immune
    systems and help fight infections;
  • erythrocytes - red blood cells - carry oxygen
    through the body with the help of the protein hemoglobin;
  • platelets help blood clot in trauma.

When blood passes through the lungs, red blood cell hemoglobin binds oxygen molecules and releases carbon dioxide molecules. After leaving the lungs, hemoglobin delivers oxygen molecules to the tissues of the body and absorbs excess carbon dioxide to carry them back to the lungs.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, which is contained in the large bones. Every day, millions of new ones are produced to replace old destroyed cells.

There are several types of anemia and each has a different cause, but the most common is iron deficiency anemia - iron deficiency anemia.

Other forms of anemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12, folate, blood loss, or, for example, bone marrow malfunction.

The main symptoms of anemia are fatigue and lethargy (lack of energy). See a physician if you suspect you have anemia. For the initial diagnosis of the disease, you will need to take a blood test.

Treatment for anemia involves taking iron supplements to increase iron levels in the body. As a rule, such treatment is effective, and the disease rarely leads to complications. If anemia is left untreated, the likelihood of infectious diseases increases, since iron deficiency affects the immune system (the body's defense system). Severe types of anemia can disrupt heart function and are especially dangerous during pregnancy.

Symptoms of anemia

The manifestations of anemia are very scarce, sometimes almost imperceptible. Especially if the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin or red blood cells occurs for a long time and slowly.

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are:

  • fatigue;
  • loss of strength (lack of energy);
  • feeling short of breath (shortness of breath).

Less common symptoms include:

  • headache;
  • tinnitus - the perception of sound in one or both ears coming from the inside, such as ringing in the ears;
  • change in taste;
  • picacism - the desire to eat inedible objects, such as ice, paper or clay;
  • irritation on the tongue;
  • baldness;
  • swallowing disorder (dysphagia).

You may also notice changes in appearance. For example, signs of possible anemia include:

  • pallor;
  • atypically smooth tongue;
  • Painful sores (open sores) in the corners of the lips
  • dry, flaking nails;
  • spoon-shaped nails.

The severity of symptoms may depend on the rate at which the anemia develops. For example, you may notice just a few symptoms, or they may gradually increase in severity if the anemia is caused by chronic, slow blood loss, such as a stomach ulcer.

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body. Iron deficiency can be caused by a number of factors. Some of them are described below.

Period. In women of reproductive age, the most common cause of iron deficiency is menstruation. Usually only women with heavy periods develop anemia. If you have heavy bleeding during your period for several months in a row, this is called menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea).

Pregnancy... It is very common for women to develop iron deficiency during pregnancy. This is because the body of the expectant mother needs more iron to provide the baby with enough blood, as well as the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Many pregnant women need to take iron supplements, especially from the 20th week of pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common cause of anemia in men and women after menopause (when a woman's periods stop). Gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by:

  • Ibuprofen and aspirin are the two most commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. Stomach and duodenal ulcers can cause bleeding, which can lead to anemia. Heavy bleeding leads to vomiting of blood or blood in the stool. However, if the ulcers do not bleed much, there may be no symptoms.
  • Cancer of the stomach or intestines is a rare cause of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence of stomach cancer in our country is one of the highest in the world. Among malignant tumors, stomach cancer in Russia ranks second. If a therapist suspects cancer, you will be referred to an oncologist immediately.
  • Angiodysplasia is an abnormality of blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause bleeding.

Renal failure can also cause anemia. Iron supplements are most commonly given intravenously for kidney failure, but ferrous sulfate tablets may be tried first.

Malabsorption(when your body is unable to absorb iron from food) can also cause anemia. This can happen in the following cases:

  • celiac disease, a disease that affects the intestinal wall;
  • gastrectomy, surgery to remove the stomach, for example, in the treatment of stomach cancer.

Nutrition. Anemia is rarely caused by a lack of iron in the diet, except during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that vegetarians are more prone to anemia due to the lack of meat in their diets. However, with a vegetarian diet, you can get enough iron from other types of foods, such as the following:

  • beans;
  • nuts;
  • dried fruits, such as dried apricots;
  • fortified breakfast cereals;
  • soy flour;
  • most dark green, leafy vegetables, such as watercress and kale.

Pregnant women may need to increase their iron-rich diet to prevent anemia.

Diagnosis of anemia

If you develop symptoms of anemia, see your GP. A complete blood count must be done to confirm the diagnosis. This means that all types of blood cells are counted in the blood sample.

If you have anemia, the test results will show the following:

  • you have low hemoglobin levels;
  • you will have a decreased amount of red blood cells (erythrocytes);
  • red blood cells may be smaller or paler than usual.

Your doctor may also order a ferritin test, a protein that stores iron. If you have low ferritin levels, your body does not have enough iron.

To exclude other causes of anemia, an analysis is made for the content of vitamin B12 and folic acid in the blood. Folic acid, along with vitamin B12, helps the body produce red blood cells. Anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B12 and folate is more common in people over 75 years of age.

To determine the cause of anemia, your therapist may ask you about your lifestyle and previous medical conditions. For example, you may be asked about the following:

  • your diet - to find out how you usually eat and if you have iron-rich foods in your diet;
  • medications you are taking - are you regularly taking medications that can cause bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, such as ibuprofen or aspirin?
  • menstrual cycle - how abundant are the periods, whether they occur regularly;
  • family history - you will be asked if your next of kin has had anemia or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or blood diseases;
  • blood donation - do you regularly donate blood, and have you had severe bleeding;
  • other medical conditions - have you recently had another medical condition or any symptoms, such as weight loss.

Medical examination for anemia

For additional diagnostics, the doctor will examine your abdomen and also check for signs of heart failure, such as listening to your heart, taking blood pressure, and examining your legs for swelling. If necessary, you will be referred for a consultation with narrow specialists who will conduct special types of examination.

Rectal examination. Typically, a rectal examination is only necessary if there is rectal bleeding. The doctor will put on a glove, lubricate one finger with lubricant, and insert it into the rectum to check for any abnormalities. Do not be shy about a rectal examination, as the doctor often performs a similar procedure. You shouldn't feel severe pain or discomfort, just a slight sensation of movement in your intestines.

Gynecological examination... Women may be referred for pelvic examinations. During the examination, the gynecologist examines the perineum for bleeding or infection. An internal inspection can also be carried out. To do this, your doctor will insert lubricated gloved fingers into your vagina to check for enlargement or tenderness in the ovaries or uterus.

In difficult cases of anemia diagnosis, the doctor will refer you to a consultation with a hematologist - a specialist in blood diseases.

Treating anemia

Typically, treatment for anemia involves taking iron supplements to replenish the body's iron stores and treating the cause of the anemia.

Your doctor will prescribe iron supplements for you to replenish your body's iron stores. They are usually taken orally (by mouth) two or three times a day. Some people may experience side effects when taking iron supplements, including the following:

  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • abdominal pain;
  • heartburn;
  • constipation;
  • diarrhea;
  • black stools (feces).

These side effects should go away over time. To improve your tolerance to the drug, try taking it with or after meals. Your doctor may also advise you to take only one tablet a day, instead of two or three, if you find it difficult to deal with the side effects. In some cases, the drug is replaced with another one with less pronounced side effects.

If you have small children, keep iron supplements away from them, as overdose with these drugs can be fatal to a young child.

To treat anemia, it is important to eliminate its cause. For example, if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause bleeding in the stomach, it is necessary to discontinue the drug or replace it with a similar one under the supervision of a physician. Heavy periods (hypermenorrhea) also require treatment by a gynecologist.

There are several ways to increase iron in your diet. Iron-rich foods include the following:

  • dark green leafy vegetables such as watercress
    and kale;
  • iron-fortified flakes;
  • Whole grains such as brown rice
  • beans;
  • nuts;
  • meat;
  • apricots;
  • plums;
  • raisin.

To maintain a healthy, balanced diet, eat foods from all four major food groups. However, certain foods and medicines can make it difficult for you to absorb iron. These include the following:

  • tea and coffee;
  • calcium found in dairy products such as milk;
  • antacids (medicines for indigestion);
  • proton pump blockers, which affect the production of gastric juice;
  • Whole Grain Flakes - While they are rich in iron by themselves, they also contain phytic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of iron from other foods and preparations.

If you find it difficult to include iron-rich foods in your diet, you may be referred to a registered dietitian (nutritionist) who can draw up a detailed dietary change plan for you personally.

Health monitoring for anemia

Your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit 2-4 weeks after starting your iron supplement to assess how your body is responding to treatment. You will need to have a blood test to check your hemoglobin levels. If your blood test results show improvement, you will be asked to come back 2-4 months later for a second test.

When your hemoglobin and red blood cell counts return to normal, your doctor will likely recommend that you continue taking the drug for three months to replenish your body's iron stores. After that, depending on the cause of the anemia, you can stop taking the drug. Then every three months during the year you will need to come for an examination.

Continuous treatment of iron deficiency anemia

In some people, after the iron stores in the body are replenished, they begin to decline again. This can happen in the following cases:

  • you eat few foods rich in iron;
  • You are pregnant;
  • you have heavy periods (hypermenorrhea).

In this case, you may be prescribed to take iron supplements continuously. As a rule, you need to take one tablet a day. This will prevent the anemia from returning.

Complications of iron deficiency anemia

Anemia rarely causes severe or chronic complications. However, some people with anemia find that the disease affects their daily life.

Fatigue... Anemia can make you feel tired and fatigued, and you can become less productive and active at work. You may find it harder to stay awake and focus, and lack the energy to exercise regularly.

The immune system. Research has shown that anemia can affect your immune system, making you more vulnerable to disease and infection.

Complications of the heart and lungs. Severe anemia in adults can increase the risk of complications affecting the heart or lungs. For example, the following diseases may develop:

  • tachycardia (heart palpitations);
  • heart failure, in which the heart does not pump blood efficiently throughout the body.

Pregnancy... Severe anemia in pregnant women increases the risk of complications, especially during and after childbirth. They can also develop postpartum depression (a type of depression that some women experience after having a baby). Research has shown that babies born to women with anemia are more likely to:

  • were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy);
  • have a low birth weight;
  • have problems with iron levels in the body;
  • have lower mental capacities.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)... In some cases, restless legs syndrome is thought to be caused by anemia. Doctors call this secondary restless legs syndrome. Restless legs syndrome is a common disorder that affects the nervous system and causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs. It also causes discomfort in the feet, calves and thighs. RLS caused by anemia is usually treated with iron supplements.

Which doctor should I contact for anemia?

For diagnosis and treatment of anemia, contact or (for a child). In difficult cases of diagnosis, or if anemia is difficult to treat, who specializes in blood disorders.

If, in addition to the symptoms of anemia, you notice manifestations of another disease in yourself, use the section "Who heals it" to find the right specialist.

Localization and translation prepared by site. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content

Copyright notice: “Department of Health original content 2020”

All materials on the site have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow taking into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only supplements it. The articles have been prepared for informational purposes only and are recommendatory in nature.

Iron deficiency anemia is a disease characterized by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. According to research results, about 2 billion people in the world suffer from this form of anemia of varying severity.

Children and lactating women are most susceptible to this disease: every third child in the world suffers from anemia, almost all lactating women have varying degrees of anemia.

This anemia was first described in 1554, and drugs for its treatment were first used in 1600. It is a serious problem that threatens the health of society, since it has no small effect on performance, behavior, mental and physiological development.

This significantly reduces social activity, but, unfortunately, anemia is often underestimated, because gradually a person gets used to a decrease in iron stores in his body.

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

What it is? Among the causes of iron deficiency anemia, there are several. There is often a combination of reasons.

Iron deficiency is often experienced by people whose body requires an increased dose of this trace element. This phenomenon is observed with increased growth of the body (in children and adolescents), as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Having enough iron in the body depends a lot on what we eat. If the diet is unbalanced, food intake is irregular, and the wrong foods are consumed, then in aggregate, all this will cause a lack of iron intake into the body with food. By the way, the main food sources of iron are meat: meat, liver, fish. There is relatively much iron in eggs, beans, beans, soybeans, peas, nuts, raisins, spinach, prunes, pomegranate, buckwheat, and black bread.

Why does iron deficiency anemia appear, and what is it? The main reasons for this ailment are as follows:

  1. Insufficient intake of iron with nutrition, especially in newborns.
  2. Violation of absorption processes.
  3. Chronic blood loss.
  4. Increased need for iron during intensive growth in adolescents, during pregnancy and lactation.
  5. Intravascular hemolysis with hemoglobinuria.
  6. Disruption of iron transport.

Even minimal bleeding of 5-10 ml / day will result in a loss of 200-250 ml of blood per month, which corresponds to approximately 100 mg of iron. And if the source of latent bleeding is not established, which is quite difficult due to the absence of clinical symptoms, then after 1-2 years the patient may develop iron deficiency anemia.

This process occurs faster in the presence of other predisposing factors (impaired absorption of iron, insufficient iron intake, etc.).

How is IDA developing?

  1. The body mobilizes reserve iron. There is no anemia, no complaints, ferritin deficiency can be detected in the study.
  2. Tissue and transport iron is mobilized, hemoglobin synthesis is preserved. There is no anemia, dry skin, muscle weakness, dizziness, signs of gastritis appear. The examination reveals a deficiency of serum iron and a decrease in transferrin saturation.
  3. All funds are affected. Anemia appears, the amount of hemoglobin decreases, and then erythrocytes.

Degrees

The degree of iron deficiency anemia in terms of hemoglobin content:

  • light - hemoglobin does not drop below 90 g / l;
  • medium - 70-90 g / l;
  • severe - hemoglobin below 70 g / l.

Normal level of hemoglobin in the blood:

  • in women - 120-140 g / l;
  • in men - 130-160 g / l;
  • in newborns - 145-225 g / l;
  • in children 1 month - 100-180 g / l;
  • in children 2 months. - 2 years. - 90-140 g / l;
  • in children 2-12 years old - 110-150 g / l;
  • in children 13-16 years old - 115-155 g / l.

At the same time, the clinical signs of the severity of anemia do not always correspond to the severity of anemia according to laboratory criteria. Therefore, the proposed classification of anemias according to the severity of clinical symptoms.

  • 1 degree - there are no clinical symptoms;
  • 2 degree - moderate weakness, dizziness;
  • 3 degree - there are all clinical symptoms of anemia, disability;
  • 4 degree - represents a serious condition of precoma;
  • Grade 5 - is called "anemic coma", lasts several hours and is fatal.

Signs of a latent stage

Latent (latent) iron deficiency in the body can lead to symptoms of sideropenic (iron deficiency) syndrome. They have the following character:

  • muscle weakness, fatigue;
  • decreased attention, headaches after mental stress;
  • gravitation to salty and spicy, spicy foods;
  • sore throat;
  • dry pale skin, pallor of mucous membranes;
  • fragility and pallor of the nail plates;
  • dull hair.

Somewhat later, anemic syndrome develops, the severity of which is also due to erythrocytes in the body, as well as the rate of development of anemia (the faster it develops, the more pronounced the clinical manifestations will be), the compensatory capabilities of the body (in children and the elderly, they are less developed) and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms

Iron deficiency anemia develops slowly, so its symptoms are not always pronounced. With anemia, nails often exfoliate, deform and break, hair splits, the skin becomes dry and pale, weakness, malaise, dizziness, headache, flashes of flies before the eyes, fainting appear, appear.

Very often in patients with anemia, a change in taste is noted, an irresistible craving for non-food products such as chalk, clay, raw meat appears. Many are attracted by strong odors, for example, gasoline, enamel paint, acetone. The complete picture of the disease is revealed only after the general one.

IDA diagnostics

In typical cases, the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is straightforward. Often, the disease is detected in the analyzes taken for a completely different reason.

In hand-made, color index of blood, and hematocrit are revealed. When performing the UAC on the analyzer, changes are found in erythrocyte indices, which characterize the hemoglobin content in erythrocytes and the size of erythrocytes.

The identification of such changes is the reason for the study of iron metabolism. The details of assessing iron metabolism are discussed in more detail in the article on iron deficiency.

Treatment for iron deficiency anemia

In all cases of iron deficiency anemia, before starting treatment, it is necessary to establish the immediate cause of this condition and, if possible, eliminate it (most often, eliminate the source of blood loss or conduct therapy for the underlying disease, complicated by sideropenia).

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children and adults should be pathogenetically grounded, comprehensive and aimed not only at eliminating anemia as a symptom, but also at eliminating iron deficiency and replenishing its reserves in the body.

The classic treatment regimen for anemia:

  • elimination of the etiological factor;
  • organization of proper nutrition;
  • taking iron supplements;
  • prevention of complications and relapses of the disease.

With the correct organization of the above procedures, you can count on getting rid of the pathology within a few months.

Iron preparations

In most cases, the iron deficiency state is eliminated with the help of iron salts. The most affordable drug for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia today is iron sulfate in tablets, it contains 60 mg of iron, and it is taken 2-3 times a day.

Other iron salts, such as gluconate, fumarate, lactate, also have good absorption properties. Considering that the absorption of inorganic iron with food decreases by 20-60%, it is better to take such medications before meals.

Possible side effects from iron preparations:

  • metallic taste in the mouth;
  • abdominal discomfort;
  • constipation;
  • diarrhea;
  • nausea and / or vomiting.

The duration of treatment depends on the patient's ability to absorb iron and continues until laboratory blood parameters (erythrocyte, hemoglobin, color index, serum iron level and iron-binding capacity) return to normal.

After eliminating the signs of iron deficiency anemia, it is recommended to use the same drug, but in a reduced prophylactic dose, since the main focus of treatment is not so much elimination of signs of anemia, but rather replenishment of iron deficiency in the body.

Diet

The diet for iron deficiency anemia is the consumption of foods rich in iron.

Shown good nutrition with the obligatory inclusion in the diet of foods containing heme iron (veal, beef, lamb, rabbit meat, liver, tongue). It should be remembered that ascorbic, citric, succinic acids contribute to the enhancement of ferrosorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Oxalates and polyphenols (coffee, tea, soy protein, milk, chocolate), calcium, dietary fiber and other substances inhibit the absorption of iron.

However, no matter how much we eat meat, only 2.5 mg of iron will get into the blood from it per day - this is exactly how much the body can assimilate. And 15-20 times more is absorbed from iron-containing complexes - that is why it is not always possible to solve the problem of anemia with the help of diet alone.

Output

Iron deficiency anemia is a dangerous condition that requires an adequate approach to treatment. Only long-term intake of iron preparations and elimination of the cause of bleeding will lead to getting rid of the pathology.

To avoid serious complications from treatment, laboratory blood tests should be constantly monitored throughout the entire course of therapy for the disease.

(Visited 15,844 times, 1 visits today)

Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the level of iron in the body, which leads to a drop in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, which are red blood cells that carry oxygen to organs and tissues. Without hemoglobin, this process becomes impossible. Among the people, anemia is better known under the name "anemia", since in past years this disorder was called in this way even by doctors.

The level of red blood cells in iron deficiency anemia may remain within the normal range. However, they are unable to perform their function if they lack hemoglobin. As a result, organs and tissues begin to suffer from oxygen starvation (this condition is called).

Among other anemias, it is iron deficiency anemia that occurs most often. This is easily explained by the fact that a variety of factors and reasons can lead to its development, which will be considered below.

Iron (Fe) is a trace element, without which the human body is unable to function normally.

Normally, a healthy adult average man in the body contains about 4-5 g of iron:

    Hemoglobin contains 2.5-3.0 g of iron.

    In tissues, its level is equal to 1.0-1.5 g. This iron is contained in them as reserves in case of emergencies. It comes in the form of a substance called ferritin.

    Respiratory enzymes and myoglobin consume about 0.3-0.5 g of iron.

    Also, a small amount of iron is found in proteins that transport this trace element. These proteins are called transferrins.

Every day, the body of an adult man with the help of the intestines removes about 1.0-1.2 g of iron.

The body of an adult woman contains 2.6-3.2 g of iron. At the same time, the reserves of organs and tissues contain only 0.3 g of this trace element. Every day, the female body excretes iron through the intestines. During menstruation, the loss of this trace element is also carried out with menstrual blood. During menstruation, 1 g of iron will be excreted daily. Therefore, it is quite logical that it is women who most often suffer from such a violation as iron deficiency anemia.

In childhood, normal iron levels are equivalent to those for women. This is true for children and adolescents under the age of 14.

Unfortunately, the human body is not able to produce iron on its own. He can only receive it from the outside (with food or with medicines). Iron absorption occurs in the duodenum and small intestine. With the help of the large intestine, this trace element is only excreted.

A person should not be afraid that the active use of iron with food can lead to its excessive accumulation in tissues and organs. The body has a number of mechanisms that simply block excess Fe from food.



In the early stages of its development, iron deficiency anemia does not manifest itself in any way, that is, a person may not even suspect that there is a latent lack of iron in his body. Changes at the initial stage of development of this disorder are insignificant. Nevertheless, the first signs of IDA are still there, another question that very few people come to mind that they are provoked precisely by a drop in the level of iron in the blood.

So, you definitely need to see a doctor and take a biochemical blood test if a person begins to worry about the following disorders:

    Appetite decreases. The person continues to eat food, but does so without much desire.

    Distortion of taste, the emergence of new food addictions is possible. You may be tempted to eat something unusual, such as clay, chalk, flour, tooth powder.

    In the epigastric region, uncomfortable sensations often occur, disturbances with food swallowing are possible.

  • Average

    The average degree of iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a hemoglobin level in the range of 70-90 g / l. At this time, the patient develops sideropenic syndrome and begins to present certain complaints to the doctor. It can take several years (8-10 years) from the moment of manifestation of mild anemia to the development of moderate anemia.

    Tissue sideropenic syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as: disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, changes in the skin, deterioration of hair and nails.

    Heavy

    Severe iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin levels to 70 g / l. In this case, the patient develops the whole complex of syndromes: circular-hypoxic, sideropenic, hematological. It is already impossible not to notice or ignore their manifestations; a person seeks medical help.




    Complaints from a patient who comes to an appointment may prompt the doctor to think that he is developing iron deficiency anemia.

    To confirm this assumption, it is necessary to assign a number of laboratory tests, which include:

Anemia is a clinical and hematological syndrome characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. A wide variety of pathological processes can serve as the basis for the development of anemic conditions, and therefore anemia should be considered as one of the symptoms of the underlying disease. The prevalence of anemia varies significantly, ranging from 0.7% to 6.9%. The cause of anemia can be one of three factors, or a combination of them: blood loss, insufficient production of red blood cells, or their increased destruction (hemolysis).

Among the various anemic conditions iron deficiency anemia are the most common and account for about 80% of all anemias.

Iron-deficiency anemia- hypochromic microcytic anemia, which develops as a result of an absolute decrease in iron stores in the body. Iron deficiency anemia usually occurs with chronic blood loss or insufficient iron intake.

According to the World Health Organization, every third woman and every sixth man in the world (200 million people) suffer from iron deficiency anemia.

Iron exchange
Iron is an essential biometal that plays an important role in the functioning of cells in many body systems. The biological significance of iron is determined by its ability to be reversibly oxidized and reduced. This property ensures the participation of iron in the processes of tissue respiration. Iron makes up only 0.0065% of body weight. The body of a man weighing 70 kg contains approximately 3.5 g (50 mg / kg of body weight) iron. The iron content in the body of a woman weighing 60 kg is approximately 2.1 g (35 mg / kg body weight). Iron compounds have a different structure, have functional activity characteristic only of them, and play an important biological role. The most important iron-containing compounds include: hemoproteins, the structural component of which is heme (hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, catalase, peroxidase), non-heme group enzymes (succinate dehydrogenase, acetyl-CoA dehydrogenase, xanthine oxidase. Iron is part of complex compounds and is distributed in the body as follows:
- heme iron - 70%;
- iron depot - 18% (intracellular accumulation in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin);
- functioning iron - 12% (myoglobin and enzymes containing iron);
- transported iron - 0.1% (iron associated with transferrin).

There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is part of hemoglobin. It is contained only in a small part of the diet (meat products), is well absorbed (by 20-30%), other food components practically do not affect its absorption. Non-heme iron is found in free ionic form - ferrous (Fe II) or trivalent iron (Fe III). Most of the dietary iron is non-heme (found mainly in vegetables). The degree of its assimilation is lower than that of heme, and depends on a number of factors. Only ferrous non-heme iron is absorbed from food. To "convert" trivalent iron into bivalent, a reducing agent is needed, the role of which in most cases is played by ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In the process of absorption in the cells of the intestinal mucosa, ferrous iron Fe2 + is converted into oxide Fe3 + and binds to a special carrier protein - transferrin, which transports iron to hematopoietic tissues and places of iron deposition.

The accumulation of iron is carried out by the proteins ferritin and hemosiderin. If necessary, iron can be actively released from ferritin and used for erythropoiesis. Hemosiderin is a ferritin derivative with a higher iron content. Iron is released from hemosiderin slowly. The incipient (pre-latent) iron deficiency can be determined by the reduced concentration of ferritin even before the depletion of iron stores, while the concentration of iron and transferrin in the blood serum is still normal.

What provokes / Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

The main etiopathogenetic factor in the development of iron deficiency anemia is iron deficiency. The most common causes of iron deficiency are:
1. iron loss in chronic bleeding (the most common cause, reaching 80%):
- bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract: peptic ulcer, erosive gastritis, varicose esophageal veins, colon diverticula, hookworm invasions, tumors, NUC, hemorrhoids;
- long and heavy menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids;
- macro- and microhematuria: chronic glomerulo- and pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, polycystic kidney disease, kidney and bladder tumors;
- nose, pulmonary bleeding;
- blood loss during hemodialysis;
- uncontrolled donation;
2.insufficient absorption of iron:
- resection of the small intestine;
- chronic enteritis;
- malabsorption syndrome;
- intestinal amyloidosis;
3.increased need for iron:
- intensive growth;
- pregnancy;
- the period of breastfeeding;
- playing sports;
4.insufficient intake of iron from food:
- newborns;
-- Small children;
- vegetarianism.

Pathogenesis (what happens?) During Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Pathogenetically, the development of an iron deficiency state can be conditionally divided into several stages:
1.prelate iron deficiency (insufficient accumulation) - there is a decrease in the level of ferritin and a decrease in the content of iron in the bone marrow, increased absorption of iron;
2. latent iron deficiency (iron deficiency erythropoiesis) - additionally decreases serum iron, increases the concentration of transferrin, decreases the content of sideroblasts in the bone marrow;
3. Severe iron deficiency = iron deficiency anemia - the concentration of hemoglobin, erythrocytes and hematocrit is further reduced.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms:

During the period of latent iron deficiency, many subjective complaints and clinical signs, characteristic of iron deficiency anemias, appear. Patients report general weakness, malaise, and decreased performance. Already during this period, there may be a perversion of taste, dryness and tingling of the tongue, impaired swallowing with a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, palpitations, shortness of breath.
An objective examination of patients reveals "minor symptoms of iron deficiency": atrophy of the papillae of the tongue, cheilitis, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, burning and itching of the vulva. All these signs of disturbance in the trophism of epithelial tissues are associated with tissue sideropenia and hypoxia.

Patients with iron deficiency anemia note general weakness, rapid fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes drowsiness. Headache and dizziness appear. Fainting is possible in severe anemia. These complaints, as a rule, do not depend on the degree of decrease in hemoglobin, but on the duration of the disease and the age of the patients.

Iron deficiency anemia is also characterized by changes in the skin, nails and hair. The skin is usually pale, sometimes with a slight greenish tinge (chlorosis) and with an easily developing blush on the cheeks, it becomes dry, flabby, flakes, and cracks form easily. Hair loses shine, turns gray, becomes thinner, breaks easily, thinns and turns gray early. Changes in nails are specific: they become thin, dull, flattened, easily exfoliate and break, striation appears. With pronounced changes, the nails acquire a concave, spoon-shaped shape (koilonychia). In patients with iron deficiency anemia, muscle weakness occurs, which is not observed in other types of anemia. It is referred to as a manifestation of tissue sideropenia. Atrophic changes occur in the mucous membranes of the alimentary canal, respiratory organs, and genitals. The defeat of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal is a typical sign of iron deficiency states.
There is a decrease in appetite. There is a need for sour, spicy, salty food. In more severe cases, there are perversions of smell, taste (pica chlorotica): eating chalk, lime, raw cereals, pogophagia (craving for ice). Signs of tissue sideropenia quickly disappear after taking iron supplements.

Diagnostics of the iron deficiency anemia:

The main landmarks in laboratory diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia the following:
1. The average content of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte in picograms (norm 27-35 pg) is reduced. To calculate it, the color index is multiplied by 33.3. For example, with a color index of 0.7 x 33.3, the hemoglobin content is 23.3 pg.
2. The average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte is reduced; normally it is 31-36 g / dl.
3. Hypochromia of erythrocytes is determined by microscopy of a smear of peripheral blood and is characterized by an increase in the zone of central enlightenment in the erythrocyte; Normally, the ratio of central illumination to peripheral darkening is 1: 1; with iron deficiency anemia - 2 + 3: 1.
4. Microcytosis of erythrocytes - a decrease in their size.
5. Coloring of erythrocytes of different intensity - anisochromia; the presence of both hypo- and normochromium erythrocytes.
6. A different form of erythrocytes - poikilocytosis.
7. The number of reticulocytes (in the absence of blood loss and the period of ferrotherapy) with iron deficiency anemia remains normal.
8. The content of leukocytes is also within the normal range (except in cases of blood loss or oncopathology).
9. The platelet count often remains within the normal range; moderate thrombocytosis is possible with blood loss at the time of examination, and the platelet count decreases when iron deficiency anemia is based on blood loss due to thrombocytopenia (for example, with disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, Werlhof's disease).
10. Decrease in the number of siderocytes up to their disappearance (siderocyte is an erythrocyte containing iron granules). In order to standardize the production of peripheral blood smears, it is recommended to use special automatic devices; the resulting monolayer of cells increases the quality of their identification.

Blood chemistry:
1. Decrease in the content of iron in the blood serum (normal for men 13-30 µmol / l, for women 12-25 µmol / l).
2. TIBC is increased (reflects the amount of iron that can be associated with free transferrin; TIBC is normal - 30-86 μmol / L).
3. Research of transferrin receptors by enzyme immunoassay; their level is increased in patients with iron deficiency anemia (in patients with anemia of chronic diseases - normal or reduced, despite similar indicators of iron metabolism.
4. The latent iron-binding capacity of blood serum is increased (determined by subtracting the serum iron content from the TIBC indicators).
5. The percentage of transferrin saturation with iron (the ratio of serum iron to TIBC; normally 16-50%) is reduced.
6. The level of serum ferritin is also reduced (normally 15-150 µg / l).

At the same time, in patients with iron deficiency anemia, the number of transferrin receptors is increased and the level of erythropoietin in the blood serum is increased (compensatory reactions of hematopoiesis). The volume of erythropoietin secretion is inversely proportional to the value of the oxygen transport capacity of the blood and is directly proportional to the oxygen demand of the blood. It should be borne in mind that the level of serum iron is higher in the morning; it is higher before and during menstruation than after menstruation. The iron content in the blood serum in the first weeks of pregnancy is higher than in the last trimester. Serum iron levels rise 2-4 days after treatment with iron supplements and then decrease. Significant consumption of meat products on the eve of the study is accompanied by hypersideremia. These data must be taken into account when evaluating the results of the study of serum iron. It is equally important to observe the laboratory research technique, the rules for blood sampling. So, test tubes into which blood is collected must first be rinsed with hydrochloric acid and bidistilled water.

Examination of the myelogram reveals a moderate normoblastic reaction and a sharp decrease in the content of sideroblasts (erythrokaryocytes containing iron granules).

Iron stores in the body are judged by the results of the desferal test. In a healthy person, after intravenous administration of 500 mg of desferal, from 0.8 to 1.2 mg of iron is excreted in the urine, while in a patient with iron deficiency anemia, the excretion of iron decreases to 0.2 mg. The new domestic drug defericolixam is identical to desferal, but circulates in the blood longer and therefore more accurately reflects the level of iron stores in the body.

Taking into account the level of hemoglobin, iron deficiency anemia, like other forms of anemia, is divided into severe, moderate and mild anemia. With mild iron deficiency anemia, the hemoglobin concentration is below normal, but more than 90 g / l; with moderate iron deficiency anemia, the hemoglobin content is less than 90 g / l, but more than 70 g / l; with a severe degree of iron deficiency anemia, the hemoglobin concentration is less than 70 g / l. At the same time, clinical signs of the severity of anemia (symptoms of a hypoxic nature) do not always correspond to the severity of anemia according to laboratory criteria. Therefore, the proposed classification of anemias according to the severity of clinical symptoms.

According to clinical manifestations, 5 degrees of severity of anemia are distinguished:
1. anemia without clinical manifestations;
2. anemic syndrome of moderate severity;
3. severe anemic syndrome;
4. anemic precoma;
5. anemic coma.

Moderate severity of anemia is characterized by general weakness, specific signs (for example, sideropenic or signs of vitamin B12 deficiency); with a pronounced severity of anemia, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. appear. Precomatous and comatose states can develop in a matter of hours, which is especially characteristic of megaloblastic anemia.

Modern clinical studies show that laboratory and clinical heterogeneity is observed among patients with iron deficiency anemia. Thus, in some patients with signs of iron deficiency anemia and concomitant inflammatory and infectious diseases, the level of serum and erythrocyte ferritin does not decrease, however, after the exacerbation of the underlying disease is eliminated, their content decreases, which indicates the activation of macrophages in the processes of iron consumption. In some patients, the level of erythrocyte ferritin even increases, especially in patients with a prolonged course of iron deficiency anemia, which leads to ineffective erythropoiesis. Sometimes there is an increase in the level of serum iron and erythrocyte ferritin, a decrease in serum transferrin. It is assumed that in these cases, the process of transfer of iron to gemsynthetic cells is impaired. In some cases, a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid is simultaneously determined.

Thus, even the level of serum iron does not always reflect the degree of iron deficiency in the body in the presence of other signs of iron deficiency anemia. Only the level of TIBC in iron deficiency anemia is always elevated. Therefore, not a single biochemical indicator, incl. TIBC cannot be considered as an absolute diagnostic criterion for iron deficiency anemia. At the same time, the morphological characteristics of peripheral blood erythrocytes and computer analysis of the main parameters of erythrocytes are decisive in the screening diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency is difficult in cases where the hemoglobin content remains normal. Iron deficiency anemia develops in the presence of the same risk factors as in iron deficiency anemia, as well as in persons with an increased physiological need for iron, primarily in premature infants at an early age, in adolescents with a rapid increase in height and weight, in blood donors, with alimentary dystrophy. At the first stage of iron deficiency, clinical manifestations are absent, and iron deficiency is determined by the content of hemosiderin in the macrophages of the bone marrow and by the absorption of radioactive iron in the gastrointestinal tract. At the second stage (latent iron deficiency), an increase in the concentration of protoporphyrin in erythrocytes is observed, the number of sideroblasts decreases, morphological signs appear (microcytosis, hypochromia of erythrocytes), the average content and concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes decreases, the level of serum and erythrocyte ferritin decreases, transferrin saturation with iron. The hemoglobin level at this stage remains quite high, and clinical signs are characterized by a decrease in exercise tolerance. The third stage is manifested by clear clinical and laboratory signs of anemia.

Examination of patients with iron deficiency anemia
To exclude anemias that have common features with iron deficiency anemia, and to identify the cause of iron deficiency, a complete clinical examination of the patient is necessary:

General blood analysis with the obligatory determination of the number of platelets, reticulocytes, the study of the morphology of erythrocytes.

Blood chemistry: determination of the level of iron, TIBC, ferritin, bilirubin (bound and free), hemoglobin.

In all cases it is necessary examine bone marrow punctate before the appointment of vitamin B12 (primarily for differential diagnosis with megaloblastic anemia).

To identify the cause of iron deficiency anemia in women, a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist is required in order to exclude diseases of the uterus and its appendages, and in men, an examination by a proctologist to exclude bleeding hemorrhoids and a urologist to exclude pathology of the prostate gland.

Cases of extragenital endometriosis are known, for example in the respiratory tract. In these cases, hemoptysis is observed; fibrobronchoscopy with a histological examination of a biopsy specimen of the bronchial mucosa makes it possible to establish a diagnosis.

The examination plan also includes X-ray and endoscopic examination of the stomach and intestines in order to exclude ulcers, tumors, incl. glomic, as well as polyps, diverticulum, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc. If pulmonary siderosis is suspected, X-ray and tomography of the lungs are performed, sputum examination for alveolar macrophages containing hemosiderin; in rare cases, a histological examination of a lung biopsy is necessary. If kidney pathology is suspected, a general urine test, a blood serum test for urea and creatinine, and, if indicated, an ultrasound and X-ray examination of the kidneys are necessary. In some cases, it is necessary to exclude endocrine pathology: myxedema, in which iron deficiency can develop a second time due to damage to the small intestine; polymyalgia rheumatica is a rare disease of the connective tissue in older women (less often in men), characterized by pain in the muscles of the shoulder or pelvic girdle without any objective changes in them, and in the blood test - anemia and an increase in ESR.

Differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemias
When making a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, it is necessary to carry out a differential diagnosis with other hypochromic anemias.

Iron-redistributive anemia is a fairly common pathology and in terms of the frequency of development it ranks second among all anemias (after iron deficiency anemia). It develops in acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases, sepsis, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, liver diseases, oncological diseases, coronary artery disease, etc. mechanism of iron reutilization from the depot. With the above diseases, the macrophage system is activated, when macrophages, under conditions of activation, firmly hold iron, thereby disrupting the process of its reutilization. In the general analysis of blood, there is a moderate decrease in hemoglobin (
The main differences from iron deficiency anemia are:
- an increased level of serum ferritin, which indicates an increased content of iron in the depot;
- the level of serum iron can remain within the normal range or be moderately reduced;
- TIBC remains within the normal range or decreases, which indicates the absence of Fe-starvation of serum.

Iron-saturated anemias develop as a result of a violation of heme synthesis, which is due to heredity or can be acquired. Heme is formed from protoporphyrin and iron in erythrokaryocytes. With iron-saturated anemias, there is a violation of the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of protoporphyrin. The consequence of this is a violation of heme synthesis. Iron, which was not used for the synthesis of heme, is deposited in the form of ferritin in the macrophages of the bone marrow, as well as in the form of hemosiderin in the skin, liver, pancreas, myocardium, as a result of which secondary hemosiderosis develops. In the general blood test, anemia, erythropenia, and a decrease in the color index will be recorded.

The indicators of iron metabolism in the body are characterized by an increase in the concentration of ferritin and the level of serum iron, normal indicators of TIBC, an increase in the saturation of transferrin with iron (in some cases it reaches 100%). Thus, the main biochemical indicators that allow assessing the state of iron metabolism in the body are ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and% saturation of transferrin with iron.

The use of indicators of iron metabolism in the body enables the clinician to:
- to identify the presence and nature of disorders of iron metabolism in the body;
- to identify the presence of iron deficiency in the body at the preclinical stage;
- to carry out differential diagnostics of hypochromic anemias;
- to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.

Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

In all cases of iron deficiency anemia, it is necessary to establish the immediate cause of this condition and, if possible, eliminate it (most often, eliminate the source of blood loss or conduct therapy for the underlying disease, complicated by sideropenia).

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be pathogenetically grounded, comprehensive and aimed not only at eliminating anemia as a symptom, but also at eliminating iron deficiency and replenishing its reserves in the body.

Iron deficiency anemia treatment program:
- elimination of the cause of iron deficiency anemia;
- medical nutrition;
- ferrotherapy;
- prevention of relapse.

Patients with iron deficiency anemia are recommended a varied diet, including meat products (veal, liver) and plant products (beans, soy, parsley, peas, spinach, dried apricots, prunes, pomegranates, raisins, rice, buckwheat, bread). However, it is impossible to achieve an anti-anemic effect by diet alone. Even if the patient eats high-calorie foods containing animal protein, iron salts, vitamins, trace elements, iron absorption can be achieved no more than 3-5 mg per day. The use of iron preparations is necessary. Currently, a doctor has at his disposal a large arsenal of iron medications, characterized by different composition and properties, the amount of iron they contain, the presence of additional components that affect the pharmacokinetics of the drug, and various dosage forms.

According to the recommendations developed by the WHO, when prescribing iron preparations, preference is given to preparations containing ferrous iron. The daily dose should reach 2 mg / kg of elemental iron in adults. The total duration of treatment is at least three months (sometimes up to 4-6 months). An ideal iron-containing preparation should have a minimum number of side effects, have a simple scheme of use, the best efficiency / price ratio, optimal iron content, preferably the presence of factors that enhance absorption and stimulate hematopoiesis.

Indications for parenteral administration of iron preparations arise with intolerance to all oral preparations, malabsorption (nonspecific ulcerative colitis, enteritis), gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer during an exacerbation, with severe anemia and the vital need to quickly replenish iron deficiency. The effectiveness of iron preparations is judged by changes in laboratory parameters over time. By the 5-7th day of treatment, the number of reticulocytes increases by 1.5-2 times compared with the initial data. Starting from the 10th day of therapy, the hemoglobin content increases.

Considering the prooxidant and lysosomotropic effect of iron preparations, their parenteral administration can be combined with intravenous drip administration of rheopolyglucin (400 ml - once a week), which protects the cell and avoids iron overload of macrophages. Considering significant changes in the functional state of the erythrocyte membrane, activation of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the antioxidant protection of erythrocytes in iron deficiency anemia, antioxidants, membrane stabilizers, cytoprotectors, antihypoxants such as a-tocopherol up to 100-150 mg per day (or ascorutin, vitamin A, vitamin C, lipostabil, methionine, mildronate, etc.), as well as combine with vitamins B1, B2, B6, B15, lipoic acid. In some cases, it is advisable to use ceruloplasmin.

List of drugs that are used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia:
- Jectofer;
- Conferon;
- Maltofer;
- Sorbifer durules;
- Tardiferon;
- Feramide (Ferramidum);
- Ferro-gradumet;
- Ferroplex;
- Ferroceronum (Ferroceronum);
- Ferrum lek.
- Totem (tothema)

Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Periodic monitoring of the blood picture;
- eating food with a high iron content (meat, liver, etc.);
- prophylactic intake of iron supplements in risk groups.
- prompt elimination of sources of blood loss.

Which doctors should you contact if you have iron deficiency anemia:

Are you worried about something? Do you want to know more detailed information about Iron Deficiency Anemia, its causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention, the course of the disease and diet after it? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with the doctor- clinic Eurolab always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, study the external signs and help identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance and diagnose. you also can call a doctor at home... Clinic Eurolab open for you around the clock.

How to contact the clinic:
The phone number of our clinic in Kiev is (+38 044) 206-20-00 (multichannel). The secretary of the clinic will select a convenient day and hour for you to visit the doctor. Our coordinates and directions are indicated. Look in more detail about all the services of the clinic on her.

(+38 044) 206-20-00

If you have previously performed any research, be sure to take their results for a consultation with your doctor. If the research has not been performed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

You? You need to be very careful about your overall health. People don't pay enough attention symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called disease symptoms... Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to several times a year. be examined by a doctor, in order not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy mind in the body and the body as a whole.

If you want to ask a question to the doctor - use the section of the online consultation, perhaps you will find answers to your questions there and read self-care tips... If you are interested in reviews of clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need in the section. Also register on the medical portal Eurolab to keep abreast of the latest news and information updates on the site, which will be automatically sent to your mail.

Other diseases from the group Diseases of the blood, blood-forming organs and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism:

B12 deficiency anemia
Anemias due to impaired synthesis of the utilization of porphyrins
Anemias due to a violation of the structure of globin chains
Anemias characterized by the carriage of pathologically unstable hemoglobins
Fanconi anemia
Lead Poisoning Anemia
Aplastic anemia
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with incomplete heat agglutinins
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with complete cold agglutinins
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia with warm hemolysins
Heavy chain diseases
Werlhof disease
Von von Willebrand disease
Di Gul'elmo disease
Christmas disease
Markiafava-Mikeli disease
Randu-Osler disease
Alpha Heavy Chain Disease
Heavy gamma chain disease
Schönlein - Genoch disease
Extra bone marrow lesions
Hairy cell leukemia
Hemoblastosis
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
Hemolytic anemia associated with vitamin E deficiency
Hemolytic anemia associated with a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-FDG)
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
Hemolytic anemias associated with mechanical damage to erythrocytes
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Malignant histiocytosis
Histological classification of lymphogranulomatosis
DIC syndrome
Deficiency of K-vitamin-dependent factors
Factor I deficiency
Factor II deficiency
Factor V deficiency
Factor VII deficiency
Factor XI deficiency
Factor XII deficiency
Factor XIII deficiency
Regularities of tumor progression
Immune hemolytic anemias
Bedbug origin of hemoblastoses
Leukopenia and agranulocytosis
Lymphosarcoma
Lymphocytoma of the skin (Caesari's disease)
Lymphocytoma of the lymph node
Spleen lymphocytoma
Radiation sickness
Marching hemoglobinuria
Mastocytosis (mast cell leukemia)
Megakaryoblastic leukemia
The mechanism of suppression of normal hematopoiesis in hemoblastosis
Obstructive jaundice
mob_info