Differential Diagnosis
The patient's laboratory results show a consistent pattern of low hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC count, with relatively normal WBC and platelet counts. Based on these findings, the following differential diagnoses are considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: The patient's low hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC count, along with a low MCHC, suggest iron deficiency anemia. The RDW is also slightly elevated, which is consistent with this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Chronic Disease Anemia: The patient's low hemoglobin and hematocrit, along with a normal WBC and platelet count, could also suggest chronic disease anemia. However, the MCHC is low, which is more consistent with iron deficiency anemia.
- Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease: The patient's low hemoglobin and hematocrit could also be due to anemia of chronic kidney disease. However, there is no other evidence of kidney disease in the laboratory results.
- Do Not Miss
- Acute Blood Loss: Although the patient's laboratory results do not suggest acute blood loss, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered. A thorough history and physical examination are necessary to rule out this possibility.
- Malignancy: Although the patient's laboratory results do not suggest malignancy, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered. A thorough history, physical examination, and additional testing are necessary to rule out this possibility.
- Rare diagnoses
- Thalassemia: The patient's low MCHC and MCV could suggest thalassemia. However, the patient's age and lack of other symptoms make this diagnosis less likely.
- Sideroblastic Anemia: The patient's low MCHC and MCV could also suggest sideroblastic anemia. However, this diagnosis is rare and would require additional testing to confirm.