Iron deficiency anaemia revisited

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a significant global health problem affecting diverse age groups and often coexisting with other medical conditions.
• IDA's causes are multifactorial, including reduced iron intake/absorption and increased iron demand/loss.
• Emerging evidence highlights the negative impact of IDA on clinical outcomes across various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent updates and guidance on diagnosing and managing iron deficiency anaemia.
• To increase awareness of IDA's consequences and prevalence for improved early detection and management.
• To address diagnostic challenges, particularly in chronic inflammatory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on iron deficiency anaemia diagnosis and management.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria, including haemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation.
• Analysis of available oral and intravenous iron supplementation strategies.

Main Results:

• IDA diagnosis is typically based on haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels.
• Diagnosis in chronic inflammatory conditions may require higher ferritin thresholds and transferrin saturation assessment.
• Management decisions involve considering patient-specific and disease-related factors for iron supplementation.

Conclusions:

• Increased awareness of IDA's prevalence and impact is vital for timely diagnosis and intervention.
• Accurate diagnosis, especially in complex cases, is key to effective management.
• Personalized treatment approaches using available iron formulations are essential for managing IDA across different clinical settings.