Significance of Red Cell Distribution Width in the Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia: An Observational Study from India

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia produces spectrum of symptoms including weakness, fatigue, growth retardation, tachypnea, tachycardia, permanent reduction of cognitive functions and variety of behavioral disturbances like irritability, short attention span, and lack of interest in the surroundings.The other sign and symptoms includes edema, epithelial changes including angular stomatitis, atrophy of lingual papillae, post-cricoid esophageal webs and gastritis, nail changes like thinning, flattening and finally the development of koilonychias (concave or spoon shaped nails).Finger nails may become brittle, fragile or longitudinally ridged.