Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology

Iron deficiency anemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Iron deficiency anemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology
CDC on Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology
Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Iron deficiency anemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Iron deficiency anemia pathophysiology

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Physiology

• In the human body, iron is present in all cells and has several vital functions such as:
  • A carrier of oxygen to the tissues from the lungs in the form of hemoglobin (Hb)
  • Facilitator of oxygen use and storage in the muscles as myoglobin
  • Transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of cytochromes
  • Integral part of enzyme reactions in various tissues.

Pathophysiology

Iron deficiency (sideropenia) is the most common known form of nutritional deficiency. Too little iron can interfere with these vital functions and lead to morbidity and mortality. The direct consequence of iron deficiency is iron deficiency anemia. Groups that are most prone to developing this disease are children and pre-menopausal women.