Rare presentations of small bowel endometriosis.

Despite endometriosis being a relatively common chronic gynecological condition in women of childbearing age, small bowel endometriosis is rare. Presentations can vary from completely asymptomatic to reported symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. The following two cases depict very atypical manifestations of ileal endometriosis that presented as obscure intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding and bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. The first case describes a previously healthy 40-year-old woman with severe symptomatic iron deficiency anemia and intermittent melena. A small bowel enteroscopy diagnosed multiple ulcerated strictures in the distal small bowel as the likely culprit. Despite nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy being initially considered as the likely etiology, histopathological examination of the resected distal ileal segment revealed evidence of endometriosis. The second case describes a 66-year-old with a presumptive diagnosis of Crohn's disease who reported a 10-year history of intermittent perimenstrual abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea with vomiting. Following two subsequent episodes of acute bowel obstruction and surgical resection of the patient's stricturing terminal ileal disease, histopathological examination demonstrated active chronic inflammation with endometriosis. Small bowel endometriosis should be considered as an unusual differential diagnosis in women who may present with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from the small bowel or recurrent bowel obstruction.

Update on iron supplementation in patients with cancer-related anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous clinical trials affirm the efficacy and safety of IV iron to treat cancer-related anemia (CRA). Nonetheless, evaluation and treatment of CRA remains suboptimal. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes CRA therapy with a focus on iron deficiency and its treatment. The literature search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database from 2004 to 2024. Topics reviewed include CRA pathophysiology, laboratory diagnosis of iron deficiency, a summary of clinical trial results using IV iron to treat CRA, and safety aspects. EXPERT OPINION: Despite overwhelming positive efficacy and safety data, IV iron remains underutilized to treat CRA. This is likely due to persistent (unfounded) concerns about IV iron safety and lack of physician awareness of newer clinical trial data. This leads to poor patient quality of life and patient exposure to anemia treatments that have greater safety risks than IV iron. Solutions to this problem include increased educational efforts and considering alternative treatment models in which other providers separately manage CRA. The recent availability of new oral iron therapy products that are effective in treating anemia of inflammation has the potential to dramatically simplify the treatment of CRA.

Iron deficiency and supplementation in patients with heart failure: Results from the IRON-HF international survey.

AIMS: Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor outcomes, regardless of anaemia status. Iron supplementation has been demonstrated to improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with HF with an ejection fraction <50% and ID. This survey aimed to provide data on real-world practices related to ID screening and management. METHODS AND RESULTS: We designed and distributed an online survey (23 questions) regarding ID screening and management in the HF setting. Overall, 256 cardiologists completed the survey (59.8% male, mostly between 30 and 50 years). The majority of physicians defined ID according to the most recent HF recommendations (98.4%) and reported screening for ID in more than half of their patients (68.4%). However, only 54.3% of the respondents performed periodic screening (every 6 months to 1 year). A total of 93.0% of participants prescribed and/or administered iron supplementation, using intravenous iron as the preferred method of administration (86.3%). After iron supplementation, 96.1% of the respondents reassessed ID, most frequently at 3-6 months (67.6%). Most physicians (93.8%) perceived ID as an underestimated comorbidity in HF. Cardiologists' age, training status, subspecialty and work setting (academic vs. non-academic hospitals) were associated with heterogeneity in the answers. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey highlight the need for more consistent strategies of ID screening and treatment for patients with HF.

[Diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia].

The causes of iron deficiency anemia include blood loss, increased demand, insufficient dietary intake, and disorders affecting iron absorption. In certain circumstances, atrophic gastritis, either autoimmune or due to Helicobacter pylori infection, may contribute. On very rare occasions, iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia can develop as a consequence of TMPRSS6 mutations. Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed by identification of microcytic hypochromic anemia with low serum ferritin levels. In cases of chronic disorders such as chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic inflammatory disorders, the diagnosis may also incorporate transferrin saturation. Treatment of underlying diseases is recommended along with iron supplementation. While oral iron supplements are the first choice, intravenous iron may be considered when oral administration is impractical, iron absorption is impaired, or rapid iron replenishment is necessary. Recently, high-dose intravenous iron formulations became available in Japan, but their use requires caution due to potential risks of allergic reactions, hypophosphatemia/osteomalacia, iron overload, and vascular leakage. Notably, the benefits of high-dose intravenous iron for patients with heart failure and iron deficiency are recognized in the field of cardiology. This article provides an overview, incorporating recent developments in the field of iron deficiency anemia.

The impact of iron deficiency on patients under evaluation for colorectal cancer, a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency affects more than 60% of colorectal cancer patients at the time of diagnosis. Iron deficiency ultimately leads to anemia, but additionally, iron deficiency might impact other domains of colorectal cancer patients' health and well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of iron deficiency on fatigue, quality of life, cognition, and physical ability in patients undergoing evaluation for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, observational cross-sectional study (2021-2023). Fatigue was the primary outcome, measured using the Focused Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Anemia questionnaire (FACT-An). Quality of Life, Cognition, Aerobe capacity, mobility, and peripheral muscle strength were tested as secondary outcomes. Multivariate analysis was performed to estimate the impact of iron deficiency on all outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred and one patients were analyzed, 57% being iron deficient. In multivariate regression analysis, iron deficiency was not associated with fatigue: FACT-An (r = -1.17, p = 0.57, 25% CI: -5.27 to 2.92). Results on quality of life, cognition, and mobility were non-significant and with small regression coefficients. Iron deficiency showed a nearly significant association with reduced hand-grip-strength (r = -3.47 kg, p = 0.06, 25%CI -7.03 to 0.08) and reduced 6 min walking distance (r = -40.36 m, p = 0.07, 25%CI: -84.73 to 4.00). CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency in patients undergoing evaluation for colorectal cancer was not associated with fatigue, quality of life, or cognition, but might affect aerobic endurance and peripheral muscle strength to a degree that is clinically relevant.

Unlocking Optimal Glycemic Interpretation: Redefining HbA1c Analysis in Female Patients With Diabetes and Iron-Deficiency Anemia Using Machine Learning Algorithms.

OBJECTIVE: In response to the nuanced glycemic challenges faced by women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) associated with diabetes, this study uses advanced machine learning algorithms to redefine hemoglobin (Hb)A1c measurement values. We aimed to improve the accuracy of glycemic interpretation by recognizing the critical interaction between erythrocytes, iron, and glycemic levels in this specific demographic group. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 17,526 adult women with HbA1c levels recorded from 2017 to 2022. Samples were classified as diabetic, prediabetic, or non-diabetic based on HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels for distribution analysis without impacting model training. Support Vector Machines, Linear Regression, Random Forest, and K-Nearest Neighbor algorithms as machine learning (ML) methods were used to predict HbA1c levels. Following the training of the model, HbA1c values were predicted for the IDA samples using the trained model. RESULTS: According to our results, there has been a 0.1 unit change in HbA1c values, which has resulted in a clinical decision change in some patients. DISCUSSION: Using ML to analyze HbA1c results in women with IDA may unveil distinctions among patients whose HbA1c values hover near critical medical decision thresholds. This intersection of technology and laboratory science holds promise for enhancing precision in medical decision-making processes.

Perioperative Patient Blood Management (excluding obstetrics): Guidelines from the French National Authority for Health.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) recently issued guidelines for patient blood management (PBM) in surgical procedures. These recommendations are based on three usual pillars of PBM: optimizing red cell mass, minimizing blood loss and optimizing anemia tolerance. In the preoperative period, these guidelines recommend detecting anemia and iron deficiency and taking corrective measures well in advance of surgery, when possible, in case of surgery with moderate to high bleeding risk or known preoperative anemia. In the intraoperative period, the use of tranexamic acid and some surgical techniques are recommended to limit bleeding in case of high bleeding risk or in case of hemorrhage, and the use of cell salvage is recommended in some surgeries with a major risk of transfusion. In the postoperative period, the limitation of blood samples is recommended but the monitoring of postoperative anemia must be carried out and may lead to corrective measures (intravenous iron in particular) or more precise diagnostic assessment of this anemia. A "restrictive" transfusion threshold considering comorbidities and, most importantly, the tolerance of the patient is recommended postoperatively. The implementation of a strategy and a program for patient blood management is recommended throughout the perioperative period in healthcare establishments in order to reduce blood transfusion and length of stay. This article presents an English translation of the HAS recommendations and a summary of the rationale underlying these recommendations.

The impact of hematology electronic consultations on the management of iron deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Delays in the evaluation and treatment of iron deficiency can lead to increased disease-related morbidity and mortality. Electronic consultation (e-consult) is a referral modality that allows providers quicker access to recommendations from a specialist based on electronic chart review. While the use of e-consult is expanding in classical hematology, gaps exist in the understanding of patient outcomes related to its use for iron deficiency. METHODS: We randomly selected 200 e-consults and 200 traditional referrals from 3,336 hematology referrals for iron deficiency at a single center. The primary outcomes of the retrospective analysis were: time to completion of the referral, and time to treatment with intravenous iron. Secondary outcomes included recurrence of iron deficiency, need for repeat e-consult, conversion to in-person evaluation, and assessment of whether the etiology of iron deficiency was addressed. RESULTS: E-consults significantly reduced the time from referral to intravenous iron repletion (e-consult, 33 days; traditional referral, 68 days; p < .05). Assessment of the underlying etiology occurred in 70.7% of the e-consult encounters compared to 92.5% of traditional referrals (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight advantages of e-consults in improving care delivery in iron deficiency, and identifying gaps that can be improved through practice standardization to ensure equitable, high-value care.

National and regional population attributable fractions for anemia risk factors (iron, folate, and vitamin B12) in Belize: potential impact of fortification.

Objective: To estimate the national and regional population attributable fraction (PAF) and potential number of preventable anemia cases for three nutritional risk factors (iron, red blood cell folate [RBCF], and vitamin B12 deficiencies) among women of childbearing age in Belize. Methods: A national probability-based household and micronutrient survey capturing sociodemographic and health information was conducted among 937 nonpregnant Belizean women aged 15-49 years. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin, ferritin, alpha-1-glycoprotein (AGP), RBCF, and vitamin B12 status. All analyses used sample weights and design variables to reflect a complex sample survey. Logistic regression was used to determine adjusted prevalence risk (aPR) ratios, which were then used to estimate national and regional PAF for anemia. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL) was 21.2% (95% CI [18.7, 25.3]). The prevalence of anemia was significantly greater among women with iron deficiency (59.5%, 95% CI [48.7, 69.5]) compared to women without iron deficiency (15.2%, 95% CI [12.2, 18.3]; aPR 3.9, 95% CI [2.9, 5.1]). The three nutritional deficiencies examined contributed to 34.6% (95% CI [22.1, 47.1]) of the anemia cases. If all these nutritional deficiencies could be eliminated, then an estimated 5 953 (95% CI [3 807, 8 114]) anemia cases could be prevented. Conclusions: This study suggests that among women of child-bearing age in Belize, anemia cases might be reduced by a third if three modifiable nutritional risk factors (iron, RBCF, and vitamin B12 deficiencies) could be eliminated. Fortification is one potential strategy to improve nutritional status and reduce the burden of anemia in this population.

Reversible Pancytopenia Due to Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia in a 12-Year-Old Girl.

Iron deficiency anemia remains a global health challenge among young children starting from birth. Pancytopenia is a rare presentation of iron deficiency in children, being highly reversible with a simple treatment strategy including diet modification and iron supplementation. A 12-year-old Omani girl presented with a four-week history of fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. Investigations revealed hemoglobin of 3.3 g/dL (11-14.5 g/dL), platelet of 47×109/L (150-450×109/L), white cell count of 3.9×109/L (2.4-9.5×109/L), and absolute neutrophil count of 0.5×109/L (1-4.8×109/L). Her red blood cell distribution width was high (34.1%; 11.5-16.5%), and her reticulocytes were normal (2.1%; 0.2-2%) with a mild elevation in the immature reticulocytes. Moreover, the ferritin level was profoundly low with a result of 1 ug/L only. Her peripheral blood smear showed pancytopenia in a background of microcytic and hypochromic red cells. After appropriate supplementation with oral ferrous sulfate in combination with an iron-rich diet, she showed complete recovery after six months from the initiation of management. This case report highlights that iron deficiency can be a cause of severe pancytopenia in children.

Intravenous Iron in Patients Hospitalized with Bacterial Infections: Utilization and Outcomes.

Introduction: Given the uncertainties related to IV iron therapy and the potential risk of infection, health care providers may hesitate to use this preparation to treat hospitalized patients with bacterial infections, even if clinically indicated. The aim of this study was to examine patterns of prescribing IV iron in patients who were hospitalized and treated for a bacterial infection, and their associated clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective chart review evaluated adult patients who received both IV iron sucrose and antibiotics during the same admission at Maine Medical Center in 2019. Data collected included iron studies, practices for prescribing IV iron, and clinical outcomes. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 197 patients were evaluated. The median duration of antibiotic therapy was 5(4-9) days. Iron and antibiotic administration overlapped in 153(77.7%) patients, with a mean overlap of 2.7(1-7) days. In the 44 patients without overlap, 20(46%) received IV iron before antibiotics. More than half (57%) of infection types involved urinary tract and respiratory systems. Approximately 2% of patients had antibiotic therapy broadened or duration extended, 7% died, and 16% were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Discussion: Prior studies evaluating the risk of infection with IV iron published conflicting results. This is the only study that analyzed outcomes in patients receiving IV iron and antibiotics for infection but not undergoing hemodialysis during a hospital admission. Although our findings support that IV iron treatment is safe among patients with concomitant infection and iron deficiency, this finding may not be the case for all clinical subgroups. Conclusions: This study showed that when patients were administered IV iron in the setting of acute bacterial infection in our facility, most patients did not have negative outcomes.

Iron deficiency in athletes: Prevalence and impact on VO2 peak.

BACKGROUND: Iron is an important micronutrient in pathways of energy production, adequate nutrient intake and its balance is essential for optimal athletic performance. However, large studies elucidating the impact of iron deficiency on athletes' performance are sparse. METHODS: Competitive athletes of any age who presented for preparticipation screening 04/2020-10/2021 were included in this study and stratified for iron deficiency (defined as ferritin level <20 µg/l with and without mild anemia [hemoglobin levels ≥11 g/dl]). Athletes with and without iron deficiency were compared and the impact of iron deficiency on athletic performance was investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 1190 athletes (mean age 21.9 ± 11.6 years; 34.2% females) were included in this study. Among these, 19.7% had iron deficiency. Patients with iron deficiency were younger (18.1 ± 8.4 vs. 22.8 ± 12.1 years, P < 0.001), more often females (64.5% vs. 26.8%, P < 0.001), had lower VO2 peak value (43.4 [38.5/47.5] vs. 45.6 [39.1/50.6]ml/min/kg, P = 0.022) and lower proportion of athletes reaching VO2 peak of >50 ml/min/kg (8.5% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.003). Female sex (OR 4.35 [95% CI 3.13-5.88], P > 0.001) was independently associated with increased risk for iron deficiency. In contrast, the risk for iron deficiency decreased by every life year (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95-0.99], P = 0.003). Iron deficiency was independently associated with reduced VO2 peak (OR 0.94 [0.91-0.97], P < 0.001) and lower probability to reach VO2 peak >50 ml/min/kg (OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.25-0.69], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is common in athletes (predominantly in female and in young athletes). Iron deficiency was independently associated with reduced VO2 peak during exercise testing and lower probability to reach a VO2 peak >50 ml/min/kg.

Prognostic Impact of Anemia in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) have high readmission rates. Several risk factors have been proposed as potential modifiable targets, including anemia. We examined the association between anemia at discharge and subsequent outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients who underwent AVR between 2015-2021, were alive at discharge (index date), and had an available hemoglobin (Hb) measurement taken between procedure and discharge. Patients were categorized as having i) moderate/severe anemia (Hb<6.2 mmol/L) or ii) no/mild anemia (Hb≥6.2 mmol). The one-year rates of all-cause mortality, all-cause hospital admission, heart failure (HF) admission, and atrial fibrillation (AF) admission were compared using multivariable Cox regression models. RESULTS: 8,614 patients were identified; 2,847 (33.1%) had moderate/severe anemia (60.2% male, median age 74) and 5,767 (66.9%) had no/mild anemia (68.0% male, median age 76). For these two groups, respectively, the cumulative one-year incidences of the outcomes were: i) all-cause mortality: 5.1% vs. 4.3%; ii) all-cause admission: 53.8% vs. 47.5%; iii) AF admission: 14.0% vs. 11.6%); iv) HF admission: 6.8% vs. 6.2%. In adjusted analysis, moderate/severe anemia, compared with no/mild anemia, was associated with higher rates of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 [95%CI 1.02-1.58]), all-cause admission (HR 1.22 [95%CI 1.14-1.30]), and AF admission (HR 1.23 [95%CI 1.08-1.40]), but not HF admission (HR 1.09 [95%CI 0.91-1.31]). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing AVR, moderate/severe anemia at discharge, compared with no/mild anemia, was associated with increased all-cause mortality, all-cause hospital admission, and AF admission, but not HF admission, at one-year post-discharge.

Efficacy of a pre-operative anaemia clinic in patients undergoing elective abdominal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery and is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. However, widespread implementation of pre-operative anaemia management is lacking. Guidelines recommend investigation of anaemia preferably 4-6 weeks before surgery to allow time for correction. However, this is not always feasible in abdominal cancer surgery with short time to surgery and may be influenced by concomitant chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of implementing a pre-operative screening and treatment programme for IDA in elective abdominal cancer surgery patients, with short duration to surgery and concomitant use of chemotherapy. METHODS: All patients scheduled for elective abdominal cancer surgery with IDA were included. Anaemia was defined according to the World Health Organization-criteria and iron deficiency as a transferrin saturation <0.20. The primary outcome was change in haemoglobin (Hb) between iron infusion and surgery in patients receiving pre-operative intravenous iron infusion. RESULTS: Of 178 diagnosed IDA patients 134 (75%) received intravenous iron, 103 pre-operatively (58%) at median day 17 (interquartile range: 9-27) before surgery while 31 (17%) received post-operative intravenous iron treatment. The pre-operative Hb increased 0.89 g/dL (95% CI: 0.64-1.13, p < .001) compared to a decrease of 0.4 g/dL (95% CI: 0.19-0.58, p < .001) in 75 patients not treated pre-operatively. Patients diagnosed with severe anaemia had the largest pre-operative Hb increase. Iron infusion >2 weeks pre-operatively resulted in a greater Hb increment of 1.13 g/dL (95% CI: 0.81-1.45) compared to iron infusion ≤2 weeks before surgery 0.48 g/dL (95% CI: 0.16-0.81). Hb increased by 0.64 g/dL (95% CI 0.19-1.21) in patients receiving chemotherapy ≤31 days prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: In patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery, including in patients with concomitant chemotherapy, pre-operative IDA management is feasible and results in a significant pre-operative Hb increase compared to patients not treated. On the day of surgery 25% patients treated pre-operatively were no longer anaemic.

Implementation fidelity of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose administration for iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: a mixed-methods study nested in a clinical trial in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anaemia is common among pregnant women in Nigeria. The standard treatment is oral iron therapy, which can be sub-optimal due to side effects. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is an evidenced-based alternative treatment with a more favourable side effect profile requiring administration according to a standardized protocol. In this study, we assessed the fidelity of administering a single dose of FCM according to protocol and identified factors influencing implementation fidelity. METHODS: We used a mixed-method approach with a sequential explanatory design nested in a clinical trial across 11 facilities in Lagos and Kano States, Nigeria. Guided by a conceptual framework of implementation fidelity, we quantitatively assessed adherence to protocol by directly observing every alternate FCM administration, using an intervention procedure checklist, and compared median adherence by facility and state. Qualitative fidelity assessment was conducted via in-depth interviews with 14 skilled health personnel (SHP) from nine purposively selected health facilities, using a semi-structured interview guide. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive and inferential statistics in Stata and used thematic analysis to analyze the transcribed interviews in NVivo. RESULTS: A total of 254 FCM administrations were observed across the 11 study sites, with the majority in secondary (63%), followed by primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) (30%). Overall, adherence to FCM administration as per protocol was moderate (63%) and varied depending on facility level. The lowest level of adherence was observed in PHCs (36%). Median, adherence level showed significant differences by facility level (p = 0.001) but not by state (p = 0.889). Teamwork and availability of protocols are facilitation strategies that contributed to high fidelity. However, institutional/ logistical barriers are contextual factors that influenced the varied fidelity levels observed in some facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative teams and access to operating protocols resulted in high fidelity in some facilities. However, in some PHCs, fidelity to FCM was low due to contextual factors and intervention complexities, thereby influencing the quality of delivery. In Nigeria, scale-up of FCM will require attention to staff strength, teamwork and availability of administration protocols, in order to optimize its impact on anaemia in pregnancy.

The Association Between Iron Deficiency at Diagnosis, Female Sex, and Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Normalization in Pediatric Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common manifestations of Celiac disease (CD). We aimed to determine whether ID at CD diagnosis affects tissue transglutaminase antibody (TTG) normalization rate among pediatric CD patients adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study that enrolled CD subjects aged 2-18y, diagnosed between Jan 2016 and Dec 2020. Demographic and laboratory data were collected at diagnosis and one year after adherence to GFD. ID was determined according to hemoglobin and ferritin levels. We compared CD subjects with and without ID at CD diagnosis in relation to TTG normalization at one year. RESULTS: Our cohort included 118 pediatric CD subjects. At diagnosis, 61 (51.7%) of CD subjects had ID, of whom 27 (44.3%) were female, compared to 46 (80.7%) females in the non-ID group (p<0.001). Median age at CD diagnosis was 5.7y (IQR 4-8.4, range 2-14) and 7.2y (IQR 4.7-10.8, range 0.9-16), and among those with and without ID, respectively (p=0.1). After one year of adherence to GFD, TTG normalization was achieved in 38 (65.5%) and 28 (53.8%) of those with and without ID at CD diagnosis, respectively (p=0.21). However, TTG normalization was achieved in 38 (79.2%) of males compared to 42 (49.4%) of females (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ID at CD diagnosis was not associated with lower rates of TTG normalization at one year among pediatric patients adhering to GFD. However, TTG normalization at one year was significantly more frequent among male subjects compared to females.

An urgent appeal to paediatric primary caregivers to help prevent severe iron deficiency anemia in toddlers.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common problem in toddlers. The cause of IDA is multifactorial but is often from excessive consumption of cow's milk. The prevalence and at times devastating consequences of IDA are under recognized. There are increasing numbers of toddlers presenting with severe IDA. We urge all paediatric primary care givers to help prevent severe IDA through adherence to the 2019 CPS Guidelines on iron requirements, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment.

HbA2 levels in children with ß-thalassemia trait associated with iron deficiency: A perspective for pediatricians.

OBJECTIVES: A critical factor in ß-thalassemia trait screening is a hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) level of 3.5% or higher. In children with iron deficiency, HbA2 levels decrease, and diagnosis may be missed. Studies with adult carriers have yielded conflicting results on this issue. The effectiveness of HbA2-based thalassemia screening in carrier children with iron deficiency has not been studied before. METHODS: In this study, among 213 children with ß-thalassemia trait, those with iron deficiency were determined based on ferritin value (<15 ng/mL), and their HbA2 levels were examined. We compared HbA2 levels of iron-deficient and iron-sufficient carriers and examined the correlation between low HbA2 levels and ferritin level. Because ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, similar evaluations were made by using transferrin saturation as the criterion for iron deficiency. RESULTS: The median HbA2 value of iron-deficient carrier children was 4.1% and within the diagnostic range (≥3.5%) in the majority of children. Median HbA2 levels in iron-deficient carriers differed from levels in iron-sufficient carriers (4.1% vs 4.9%, P < .007). No correlation was present between low HbA2 levels and ferritin levels (0.226). Furthermore, among children without iron deficiency, there were individuals with low HbA2 levels (26.9%). Similar results were obtained when transferrin saturation was used. CONCLUSIONS: Hemoglobin A2 can be used as a screening test in children with ß-thalassemia trait, despite accompanying iron deficiency. Low HbA2 levels in these children may be the result of underlying thalassemia mutation, not the result of accompanying iron deficiency. Therefore, in suspected cases of ß-thalassemia trait, evaluation should continue, regardless of iron status or treatment.