From the Research
Iron deficiency anemia should be diagnosed and treated promptly to prevent adverse outcomes, and the most recent study suggests that using a ferritin level of < 30 μg/L as the diagnostic cut-off can significantly improve sensitivity for detecting iron deficiency 1. When evaluating a patient with suspected iron deficiency anemia, it is essential to consider the biochemical and haematological findings, as well as the clinical presentation.
- The diagnosis of iron deficiency is largely based on biochemical and haematological laboratory findings, but there is no standardization or consensus on the interpretation of these findings 1.
- Ferritin measurement is the most important analysis in the study of iron deficiency, and a level of < 30 μg/L can be used as the diagnostic cut-off to improve sensitivity for detecting iron deficiency 1.
- The level of transferrin receptor in plasma increases with iron deficiency without being influenced by inflammation and is therefore a good supplement to ferritin measurement 1.
- Iron deficiency anemia can have significant consequences, including diminished work or exercise capacity, impaired thermoregulation, immune dysfunction, GI disturbances, and neurocognitive impairment 2.
- In diabetic patients, iron deficiency anemia can impair glucose homeostasis and negatively affect glycemic control, making it essential to prevent and treat iron deficiency promptly 3.
- A recent study found that iron deficiency anemia can affect glucose metabolism, and physicians should be aware of its negative effect on glycemic control in normal and diabetic patients 4.