Microcytic => IRON studies. Look at IRON => Then Look
at TIBC&Ferritin
1.
Low iron
microcytic anemia =
a.
Iron deficiency:
i.
Labs:
1.
Low Serum Fe
2.
High TIBC
3.
Low Ferritin levels are generally accepted as reliable
single indicators of the presence of iron deficiency.
ii.
Interpretation: The liver produces a lot of TIBC
trying to maximize little Fe that is available. Not enuf Fe to store in
Ferritin (Low ferritin). The body tries to produce lots of TIBC/transferritin to
absorb all little Fe there is to absorb.
iii.
Dx: Low iron deficiency
iv.
Tx: here’s the iron pill, have a nice day!
b.
Chronic disease anemia:
i.
Labs:
1.
Low serum Fe
2.
Low TIBC
3.
High Ferritin
ii.
Interpretation: The body holds Fe
intracellularly via Ferritin to keep Fe away from offending tumor/bacteria. The
body produces more Ferritin in order to store and keep all Fe there is that is required
for the synthesis of offending organism or tumor as they use Fe for their
pathosynthetic disease.
iii.
Dx: chronic disease anemia
iv.
Tx: address underlying causes.
2.
Normal
iron microcytic anemia
a.
Labs:
i.
Normal Fe
ii.
High TIBC
b.
Interpretation:
i.
Normal
Serum Fe => there’s sth happening that the body is n
c.
Dx: do Hgb electrophoresis to r/o thalassemia (genetically
abnormal Hgb), do BMP, pregnancy or use of hormonal contraception
~Qt
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