Abstract

MARTINS, Sandrina et al. Refractory iron deficiency anemia: what possible causes?. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.2, pp.74-79. ISSN 0872-0754.

Background: A refractory iron deficiency anaemia may have some issues considering its aetiology. Non-compliance to drug therapies and persistent dietary errors are the most common causes. However, it is important to consider other possibilities such as malabsorption, occult bleeding and errors on iron metabolism. Purpose: The authors aim to demonstrate the need of a diagnostic investigation strategy in a refractory iron deficiency anaemia study. Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of medical records of six patients with refractory iron deficiency anaemia. Results: Three patients had gastrointestinal pathology with impaired absorption of iron, one had occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and two children had iron deficiency caused by iron metabolism disorders. Discussion / Conclusion: The relevance of the following investigations are discussed: hematologic indices, iron-status indicators, screening of malabsorption, response to intravenous iron and/or oral iron formulation independent of gastric acid secretion and endoscopic and histological investigation of the digestive tract. The development of a research methodology that considers epidemiologic, clinical and analytical factors is necessary in such patients.

Keywords : refractory iron deficiency anemia; occult bleeding; iron metabolism disorders; malabsorption.

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