This presentation focuses on Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), the most common type of anemia worldwide, with a special emphasis on IDA in pregnancy and its situation in Bangladesh.
Presented as part of a case discussion in Pharmacology, focusing on clinical and public health aspects of Iron Deficiency...
This presentation focuses on Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), the most common type of anemia worldwide, with a special emphasis on IDA in pregnancy and its situation in Bangladesh.
Presented as part of a case discussion in Pharmacology, focusing on clinical and public health aspects of Iron Deficiency Anemia.
By
A group 3rd Year Medical Students of Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka
Department of Pharmacology
Size: 2.13 MB
Language: en
Added: Oct 15, 2025
Slides: 68 pages
Slide Content
CASE PRESENTATION
ON
IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Participants -
From SSMC- 51
Supervised by
Dr. Sharmeen Tania Shova
TABLE OF CONTENTS HISTORY & EXAMINATIONS
PROVISIONAL AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
INVESTIGATIONS & CONFIRMATORY DIAGNOSIS
MANAGEMENT APPROACH
PHARMACOLOGY of IRON THERAPY
IDA in BANGLADESH CONTEXT
IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY
HISTORY & EXAMINATIONS
Name : Fahima Aktar
Age : 20 years
Sex : Female
Marital Status : Married (3 months pregnant)
Religion : Islam
Occupation : Housewife
Address : Jatrabari, Dhaka
Admitted on : 5 October 2025
Examined on : 7 October 2025
Bed No : 10
Unit : Antenatal room, Gynae & Obs ward PARTICULARS OF THE PATIENT
CHEIF COMPLAINTS
Generelized Weakness and Fatigue
Headache, Dizziness
Loss of appetite
HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS
According to the statement of the patient, she was
reasonably well 2 days earlier. Then she developed
dizziness and headache, which were significant
enough to prompt her to seek medical care. She also
complains of poor appetite and inability to eat
properly. Weakness worsens with activity/fasting and
improves with rest or meals. These acute symptoms
interfered with her daily activities and overall well-
being. That’s why she was admitted to the hospital.
Past Illness:
The patient reports a history of generalized weakness and
fatigue for the last 5 years, even before her pregnancy.
No DM, HTN, or any chronic disease.
No history of major surgery. Drug history :
No current medication reported
Allergic history :
Not reported
Family history :
Absence of the same problem in family members
Personal history :
Non-smoker, non-alcoholic
Poor appetite, irregular meal, mostly
carbohydrate-rich food
Immunization:
Up to date according to the EPI schedule.
Socioeconomic History:
Belongs to a lower-middle-class family.
Contraceptive History:
Currently pregnant.
Past contraceptive use not reported.
Menstrual History:
Age of menarche: 13 years
Cycle: Regular (28–30 days)
Duration of flow: 4–5 days
LMP: 5 weeks ago (3 months of gestation)
Dysmenorrhea: Mild, no medication required.
GENERAL EXAMINATION
Appearance : Ill-looking, weak, mildly pale
Body Built : Average
Cooperation : Well co-operated
Decubitus : On choice
Nutritional Status : Poor
Anemia : Present
Jaundice : Absent
Cyanosis : Absent
Clubbing : Absent
Koilonychia : Present
Leukonychia : Absent
Edema : Absent
Dehydration : Absent
Thyroid gland : Not enlarged
Lymph node : Not palpable
Skin condition : Normal
Hair distribution : Normal
Bony tenderness : Non tender
GENERAL EXAMINATION (continued)
JVP : Not raised
Vitals
´Pulse : 88 beats/min
´Blood Pressure : 100/70 mm Hg
´Temperature : 98 F
´Respiratory Rate : 18 breaths/min
GENERAL EXAMINATION (continued)
SALIENT FEATURES
Famima Akter, a 20-year-old married muslim female patient hailing
from Jatrabari, who is currently 3 months pregnant , presented with
dizziness, headache, poor appetite, and weakness for 2 days. She
reports a history of generalized fatigue and weakness for the past 5
years, even before her pregnancy. She has no history of chronic
illnesses, diabetes, or hypertension.No allergic history reported to
any drug or food and her immunizations are up to date according to
the EPI schedule.She is a non-smoker, no alcoholic , Her personal
history also reveals poor dietary intake mainly rich in carbohydrate ,
and irregular meals, likely contributing to chronic iron deficiency.
Menstrual history is normal with age of menarche 13 years, regular
28–30 day cycles, 4–5 days flow, and LMP 5 weeks ago.
SALIENT FEATURES (continued)
On examination, she appeared pale and weak, with conjunctival
pallor. Moreover she presented brittle spoon shaped nails with
koilonychia. Leukonychia, cyanosis, jaundice was not present. No
edema or lymphadenopathy found. On abdominal examination
nothing abnormal was found. vitals: Temperature was normal. Pulse
88/min regular, BP 100/70 mmHg, Respiratory Rate 20/min, SpO₂
98% on room air; . Based on clinical findings and laboratory
investigations, she was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.
Provisonal & Differential Diagnosis
Provisional diagnosis :
Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA)
associated with pregnancy
and poor dietary iron intake.
Differential Diagnosis
Megaloblastic anemia (Folate or Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency)
Anemia of chronic disease (Chronic infection or inflammation)
β-thalassemia trait (Genetic defect in globin chain synthesis)
Sideroblastic anemia (Defective heme synthesis / drug-induced)
Hemolytic anemia (Increased RBC destruction — autoimmune or inherited)
Differential diagnosis & IDA
ref- de Gruchy's Clinical Hematology
IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Develops when body stores of iron drop too
low to support normal Erythropoiesis
Commonest anemia in Bangladesh as well as in
the world
Commonly affects women of lower economic
status.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
is
Microcytic hypochromic anemia
Iron level ↓
↓
Hb formation ↓
↓
RBC becomes smaller (Microcytic)
RBC becomes paler (Hypochromic)
Normal range of haemoglobin in different age group
Neonate: 23 gm/dl
Children (1 year): 12 gm/dl
Adult male: 14 - 18 gm/dl
Adult female: 12 - 16 gm/dl
(Ref: S. Wright's/13th/36)
Causes
Inadequate intake
Increased demand
Ignorance and poverty
Growth in children
Women in reproductive age
-Pregnancy
-Lactation
Pregnancy Lactation
Excessive blood loss
Hookworm Infestation Bleeding PUD Bleeding Piles
Defective Utilization
Malabsorption Partial or Total gastrectomy
Average dietary iron intake: 10-15 mg/day
Dietary iron remains in Fe³⁺ form
But exclusively absorbed in Fe²⁺ form
IRON ABSORPTION
Distribution of iron in body Total body iron in an adult is 2.5–5 g (average 3.5 g). It is distributed into:
Haemoglobin (Hb): 62%
Iron stores as ferritin and haemosiderin: 25%
Myoglobin (in muscles): 7%
Parenchymal iron (in enzymes, etc.): 6% ref: Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, KD Tripathi, 8 edition
th
Factors decreasing absorption
Drugs
Tetracycline
Ciprofloxacin
Antacid
H2-blockers
Tannin (in tea)
Phytic Acid (in cereals and legumes)
Food substances
Diseases
Achlorhydria
Liver diseases
Chronic Inflammation
Pharmacology
1.Oral Iron therapy
Indications-
Asymptomatic patient of Fe deficiency
Anemia with intact GI tractPreparations-
Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous Fumarate
Ferrous Gluconate
Ferrous Succinate
Ref- Katzung’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16 edition
th
Iron tolerance test-
Interpretation-
Normal rise-Iron absorption is normal
Poor/no rise- Malabsorption
2. Parenteral Iron Therapy
Indication:
Intolerance to oral iron
Unable to absorb oral iron
Patients with extensive chronic anemia
Ongoing blood loss when the oral
replacement cannot meet the iron loss
Preparation:
IV iron: Iron sucrose, Iron dextran
IM iron: Iron dextran, Iron sorbitol-citric
acid complex (Iron sorbitex)
3. Blood Transfusion
Red cell transfusions are needed in emergency
situations, eg- acute severe hemorrhage
Severe symptomatic anemia (Hb < 6-7 gm/dL) with
CCF
Prior to invasive procedure
Patient receives transfusion at a very slow rate with
hemodynamic and vital monitoring.
4. Supportive Nutrients
Folic and Vit B supplement
12
High protein diet (Red meat, eggs,
spinach, lentils, citrus fruits)
Vit. C
Total Dose Infusion (TDI)
Method of administering parenteral iron in a single session or
over a short period, rather than in multiple smaller doses.
Indications for TDI:
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
Intolerance or Non-Response to Oral Iron
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Perioperative Management
Pregnancy
Calculating the Total Dose:
Iron to be injected (mg)
= Total iron deficit
= Body weight [kg] x (Target Hb - Actual Hb) [g/dL] x 2.4 + 500mg
500 mg is added to replenish the iron store if body weight >35kg.
Administration of TDI:
Test Dose: To rule out anaphylaxis.
Infusion Protocol:
a. Dilute the iron preparation in normal saline (e.g., 200-300 mg
iron sucrose in 100-250 ml saline).
b. Administrate slowly over 1-2 hours (for iron sucrose)
c. Monitor vital signs during the infusion.
A. Oral Iron Therapy:
Typical Duration:
3-6 months for severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
This includes:
1. 1-2 months to correct the Hb deficit.
2. 2-4 months to replenish iron stores.
B. Parenteral Iron Therapy:
Total Dose Infusion (TDI):
1. A single dose or short course (e.g., 1-2 infusions) can correct the Hb
deficit and replenish iron stores.
2. Follow-up oral iron may not be required unless there is ongoing blood
loss.
Duration of Therapy:
Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Formulations
Advantages:
1.Easy to administer
2.Good patient compliance
3.No pain & scar mark
Disadvantages:
1.Daily administration needed
2.Blackening of stool may confuse/misguide as black
tarry stool
3.Anemia recovers slowly. So, it can't be given to
establish the quick recovery of the Fe store
Oral Iron Preparations
Parenteral Iron Preparations
Advantages:
1.Daily administration is not needed
2.Quick recovery from anemia is possible
3.Given to patients for whom iron can't be absorbed from the intestine
4.Can be given to patients who can't be relied on to take it
5.Patients with intolerable gut symptoms
6.No blackening of stool
Disadvantages:
1.Not easy to administer
2.Pain & blackening of the injection site
3.Patient's compliance is not good
4.Hemopoietic response is not quicker than that of oral preparation
5.Ionized salts are unsuitable for parenteral preparations
Blood transfusion
Advantages
1.Immediate correction of anemia
2.Provide a source of iron
3.Stabilizes the patient
Disadvantages:
1.Risk of transfusion reaction (fever, allergy, hemolysis,
etc.)
2.Iron overload with repeated transfusion
3.Temporary correction unless combined with iron
therapy afterward
Treatment
Ferrous sulfate 325 mg tablet (1 tab orally
once daily for 3 months)
Folic acid 5 mg tablet (1 tab orally once daily
for 3 months)
Vitamin-C 500 mg tablet (1 tab orally once
daily)
• Eat iron-rich foods: red meat, liver, fish, eggs, spinach,
lentils, beans.
• Combine with Vitamin C–rich fruits (oranges, amla,
lemon).
• Avoid taking tea, coffee, milk, calcium, or antacids with
iron tablet
• Take iron 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If gastric
upset occurs, take after meals.
• Maintain good hydration and fiber intake to prevent
constipation.
Advices:
Follow up:
Initial follow-up: 1 month after starting therapy
Iron store assessment: Check serum ferritin
levels at 3 months
Routine check-up: Every 3 months to monitor
progress and adjust treatment
IDA in Pregnancy &
IDA in Context of Bangladesh
Can you guess how many
out of every 100 pregnant
women are anemic?
Around 49.6% of Bangladeshi
women suffer from anemia
during their pregnancy periods
Ref- The Business Standard,12 September 2023
ref- DC Dutta OBS, 10 edition
th
Complications of Anemia in Pregnancy
During Pregnancy
Pre-eclampsia: High blood pressure
and protein in urine.
Infections: Existing infections may get
worse.
Heart issues
Preterm labor
During Labor
Anemia makes labor harder
Effects on the Baby
Mild anemia in the mother usually
doesn’t affect the baby’s iron levels.
Severe anemia can lead to:
Increased risk of preterm birth or low
birth weight.
Reduced blood volume in the baby.
Lower iron stores, which can cause
anemia in the baby later.
Postpartum
Puerperal sepsis
Subinvolution
Poor lactation
Approach
ref- DC Dutta OBS, 10 edition
th
Approach
ref
Anemia is a widespread public health problem in
Bangladesh, affecting the lives of 27 million children,
adolescents and women
(2001)
Statistics
Prevalence of anemia among women of
reproductive age (% of women ages 15-49) Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
WORLDWIDE
WORLDWIDEPrevalence of anemia among women of
reproductive age (% of women ages 15-49)
Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
BangladeshPrevalence of anemia among women of
reproductive age (% of women ages 15-49) In years
In Percentage
2003 2008 2013 2018 2023
30
35
40
45
50
2003- 35.1 %
2008- 34.4 %
2013- 34.2 %
2018- 35.2 %
2023- 37.5 %
Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
WORLDWIDE
Prevalence of anemia (children 6–59 months):
Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
WORLDWIDE
Prevalence of anemia (children 6–59 months):
Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
BANGLADESH
Prevalence of anemia (children 6–59 months):
Ref-World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )In years
In Percentage
2000 2004 2009 2014 2019
40
45
50
55
60
2000- 56.6 %
2004- 51.7 %
2009- 46.8 %
2014- 44 %
2019- 43.1 %
Bibliography
Hoffbrand’s Essential Hematology
de Gruchy's Clinical Hematology
S. Wright's Hematology/13 edition
th
Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, KD Tripathi, 8 edition
th
Katzung’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 16 edition
th
WHO Anemia Guidelines
DC Dutta OBS, 10 edition
th
https://www.cureus.com/articles/112657-iron-deficiency-anemia-in-
pregnancy#!/
World Health Statistics, World Health Organization ( WHO )
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/health/half-bangladeshi-
women-suffer-anaemia-during-pregnancy-study-699418?