Case Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia Patient Information:
• Name: John Doe • Age: 35 • Gender: Male • Occupation: Construction Worker • Medical History: No significant medical history reported.
Presenting Complaint: John Doe presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath on exertion for the past few months. He reports feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep, and has noticed increased paleness of his skin and conjunctiva.
Physical Examination Findings:
• Vital Signs: BP 120/80 mmHg, HR 80 bpm, RR 16 breaths/min, Temp 98.6°F
• General: Pale skin and conjunctiva, fatigue apparent
• Cardiovascular: Regular rhythm, no murmurs or abnormal sounds
• Respiratory: Clear lung fields bilaterally
• Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no organomegaly
• Neurological: Intact cranial nerves, normal motor and sensory functions
Laboratory Investigations: • Hemoglobin (Hb): 9.5 g/dL (Normal range: 13.5-17.5 g/dL) • Hematocrit (Hct): 29% (Normal range: 40-50%) • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 75 fL (Normal range: 80-100 fL) • Serum Iron: 25 mcg/dL (Normal range: 60-170 mcg/dL) • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): 400 mcg/dL (Normal range: 250-450 mcg/dL) • Ferritin: 10 ng/mL (Normal range: 30-400 ng/mL)
Diagnosis: John Doe is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia based on his clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.
Questions for Students:
1. What are the common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
2. Explain the laboratory findings in John Doe’s case and how they support the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
3. What are the potential causes of iron deficiency anemia in adults, and how would you approach further investigations in this patient?
4. Discuss the treatment options for iron deficiency anemia, including dietary recommendations and pharmacological intervention.