Diagnosis and Prognosis

Iron Deficiency Anemia can be diagnosed using the following tests:

• Complete blood count

• Peripheral blood smear

• Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin

• Evaluation for hemosiderinuria, hemoglobinuria, and pulmonary hemosiderosis

• Hemoglobin electrophoresis and measurement of hemoglobin A 2 and fetal hemoglobin

• Reticulocyte hemoglobin content

Tests useful for establishing the etiology of iron deficiency anemia and excluding or establishing a diagnosis of another microcytic anemia include the following:

• Stool testing

• Incubated osmotic fragility testing

• Measurement of lead in tissue

• Bone marrow aspiration

CBC results in iron deficiency anemia include the following:

• Low mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

• Low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

• Elevated platelet count (>450,000/µL) in many cases

• Normal or elevated white blood cell count

Peripheral smear results in iron deficiency anemia are as follows:

• RBCs are microcytic and hypochromic in chronic cases

• Platelets usually are increased

• In contrast to thalassemia, target cells are usually not present, and anisocytosis and poikilocytosis are not marked

• In contrast to hemoglobin C disorders, intraerythrocytic crystals are not seen

Results of iron studies are as follows:

• Low serum iron and ferritin levels with an elevated TIBC are diagnostic of iron deficiency

• A normal serum ferritin can be seen in patients who are deficient in iron and have coexistent diseases (eg, hepatitis or anemia of chronic disorders

"Chronic iron deficiency anemia is seldom a direct cause of death; however, moderate or severe iron deficiency anemia can produce sufficient hypoxia to aggravate underlying pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders" (Harper).  Overall, iron deficiency anemia is easily treated and can ultimately be cured.  However, as it is usually connected with other underlying health issues, like neoplasia or hear disorders,  it can be a sign of something much more serious that cannot be cured as easily (Harper). 

Works Cited:

Harper, J. (n.d.). Iron Deficiency Anemia. Retrieved September 14, 2015.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202333-overview#a7