Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosis

Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosis

What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with the following CBC findings? WBC: 8.8 × 103/µl; RBC: 3.01 × 103/µl; Hgb: 10.3 g/dL; Hct: 32.2%; MCV: 74 fL; MCHC: 28.3 g/dL; Plt: 400 × 103/µl; RDW: 18.4%; Reticulocytes: 2.1%.

Identify which anemia is the patient experiencing, which tests should be ordered and what type of treatment should be followed.

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APA

Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosis

The CBC findings suggest that the patient is most likely experiencing microcytic anemia, likely due to iron deficiency. The findings point to a decreased RBC count, low hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct), as well as a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which are characteristic of microcytic anemia. Additionally, the increased red cell distribution width (RDW) of 18.4% indicates a varied size of red blood cells, which is commonly seen in iron deficiency anemia. The elevated platelet count (Plt) is also a known feature of iron deficiency, as thrombocytosis can occur in response to anemia (Berk, 2019). The reticulocyte count of 2.1% may indicate a compensatory response from the bone marrow, which is common in anemia.

Likely Diagnosis:

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most probable diagnosis based on the patient’s CBC results, particularly the low MCV and MCHC, and increased RDW. IDA is the most common type of anemia, usually due to insufficient iron intake, poor absorption, or increased iron loss (e.g., bleeding).

Further Tests:

1. Serum Ferritin: A low ferritin level would confirm iron deficiency, as ferritin is a key marker for iron stores.
2. Serum Iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): These tests help confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency, with low serum iron and high TIBC often seen in IDA.
3. Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content: To assess bone marrow response to anemia.
4. Stool Occult Blood Test: To rule out gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be a cause of iron loss.

Treatment:

The main treatment for iron deficiency anemia includes oral iron supplementation, typically with ferrous sulfate, to replenish iron stores. If the patient cannot tolerate oral iron or if there is significant blood loss, intravenous iron or blood transfusions may be necessary. Additionally, the underlying cause of the iron deficiency should be addressed, whether it is due to poor diet, malabsorption, or…