Clinical and biochemical profile of patients with Iron deficiency anemia at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia worldwide, especially in adolescent girls, women of reproductive age group, and young children. The clinical presentation and the other biochemical parameters differ in a different age, sex, and geographical group. A study to evaluate the clinical and biochemical profile of patients with IDA at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred and two Cases of IDA were taken from the outpatient department (OPD) and ward. After taking consent, the workup was done. Complete history and physical examination were done, and patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms of IDA. Laboratory investigations such as complete blood count with differential count, reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smears, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, lactic dehydrogenase, stool for occult blood and ova, cysts, liver and renal function were done in all the patients. Results: One hundred and two patients of IDA were enrolled from OPD and ward. The majority of the patients were from the 21 to 30 years age group (25.5%). 37.3% were male and 62.7% were female patients. The main presenting complaint was weakness and easy fatigability (91%). Among the associated comorbidities, the most common were hypertension (13.7%). The majority of the patients had severe pallor (54.9%). Icterus was found in 1.9%. Splenomegaly was found in 4.9%. General blood pictures showed 97.1% had microcytes, 96.1% had hypochromasia and 97.1% had Anisocytosis, which is characteristic of IDA. Conclusion: The majority of patients came to the hospital after developing clinical features due to severe anemia. Therefore, a population based study to evaluate the mild form of IDA or to evaluate a preanemic iron deficiency state can help in the early diagnosis of these patients before they develop severe form.