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Iron Deficiency Anemia, Pediatric

Irina B. Pateva, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A reduction in hemoglobin production due to an insufficient supply of iron that results in a microcytic, hypochromic anemia 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Evaluate dietary intake of iron, including breast or formula feeding and type of formula (iron fortified or low iron).

  • Age at introduction of cow’s milk

  • Daily intake of cow’s milk

  • Birth ...

TREATMENT

  • Iron supplementation

  • Family education regarding age-appropriate diet and iron-containing foods

  • Specific treatment if underlying condition causing blood loss is found (e.g., hormonal therapy fo...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Reticulocyte count increases in 3 to 4 days.

  • Absolute reticulocyte count and reticulocyte hemoglobin content predict good early hematologic respo...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Baker RD, Greer FR; for Committee on Nutrition American Academy of Pediatrics. Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (...

CODES

ICD9

  • 280.9 Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified

  • 280.1 Iron deficiency anemia secondary to inadequate dietary iron intake

  • 280.0 Iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss (chronic)

  • 280.8 Other spe...

FAQ

  • Q: What dietary changes can help prevent the recurrence of iron deficiency?

  • A: Limit milk to 24 oz/24 h to improve appetite for iron-containing foods. Heme iron, found in meats, fish, and poultry, ...

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