From the Guidelines
These lab results indicate iron deficiency anemia, as evidenced by low serum iron (20), low iron saturation (6%), and borderline low ferritin (30 ng/mL) 1. The patient's lab results show a serum iron level of 20, which is below the normal range, and an iron saturation of 6%, which is also below the normal range of 20-50% 1. The ferritin level is 30 ng/mL, which is considered borderline low, as optimal levels are typically above 50 ng/mL, but a level below 30 μg/L is generally indicative of low body iron stores 1.
Key Findings:
- Low serum iron (20)
- Low iron saturation (6%)
- Borderline low ferritin (30 ng/mL)
- Transferrin and TIBC values are within normal limits (219 and 322, respectively)
Treatment Recommendations:
Oral iron supplementation, typically ferrous sulfate 325 mg taken 1-2 times daily between meals with vitamin C to enhance absorption, is recommended to treat iron deficiency anemia 1. Patients should avoid taking iron with calcium, dairy, coffee, tea, or antacids, which can reduce absorption 1. Treatment should continue for 3-6 months to replenish iron stores, even after hemoglobin normalizes 1. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and black stools. If oral iron is not tolerated or ineffective, intravenous iron may be necessary. It's also important to identify and address the underlying cause of iron deficiency, which could include blood loss (menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), malabsorption, or dietary insufficiency. Follow-up labs should be checked after 4-8 weeks of therapy to ensure improvement.
From the Research
Lab Results Interpretation
The provided lab results are:
- Iron: 20
- Ferritin: 30
- Iron saturation: 6
- Transferrin: 219
- TIBC: 322
Iron Deficiency Indicators
Based on the lab results, the following indicators suggest iron deficiency:
- Low ferritin level (30) indicates depleted iron stores 2, 3
- Low iron saturation (6) indicates insufficient iron available for erythropoiesis 4, 5
- Elevated TIBC (322) indicates increased transferrin levels, which can be a sign of iron deficiency 4, 5
Comparison with Normal Values
Normal values for these tests vary, but generally:
- Iron: 50-170 μg/dL
- Ferritin: 30-400 ng/mL (but <30 indicates iron deficiency)
- Iron saturation: 20-50%
- Transferrin: 200-400 mg/dL
- TIBC: 240-450 μg/dL
Clinical Implications
The lab results suggest iron deficiency, which can be caused by various factors, including gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, or poor iron absorption 2, 4, 6. Treatment options include oral or intravenous iron supplementation, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the iron deficiency 4, 3, 5.
Treatment Considerations
Oral iron supplementation is often recommended as first-line treatment, but intravenous iron may be necessary in cases of severe iron deficiency or intolerance to oral iron 3, 5. The choice of treatment should be based on individual patient needs and underlying medical conditions 4, 6.