Iron deficiency anemia: current strategies for the diagnosis and management

Abstract

Iron deficiency is one of the commonest nutritional deficiencies in the world. It is multifactorial and may be caused by lack of intake, blood loss and intestinal causes. Clinical features are highly variable, and most patients are asymptomatic. Typical laboratory features of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) include a hypochromic microcytic anemia, low serum iron level, high total iron binding capacity, low serum ferritin level. Usefulness of monitoring serum transferrin receptor level (sTfR) and hepcidin for identifying IDA have been examined in a few studies. Available data suggest that sTfR can potentially become a valuable tool for regular testing of patients in the future. Despite IDA is easily corrected with iron therapy, establishing the cause can be difficult, particularly in cases caused by disorders of iron transport. Education for clinician needs to focus on increasing awareness of the importance of failure respond to iron supplementation. The aim of this review was to outline the current strategies for the diagnosis and management of IDA in the light of the latest reports.