Iron-Deficiency Anemia Case Study
A 72-year-old man developed chest pain whenever he was physically active. The pain ceased on stopping his activity. He has no history of heart or lung disease. His physical examination was normal except for notable pallor.
Studies Result
Electrocardiogram (EKG), p. 485 Ischemia noted in anterior leads
Chest x-ray study, p. 956 No active disease
Complete blood count (CBC), p.
156
Red blood cell (RBC) count, p.
396
2.1 million/mm (normal: 4.76.1 million/mm)
RBC indices, p. 399
Mean corpuscular volume
(MCV)
72 mm 3 (normal: 8095 mm
3 )
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
(MCH)
22 pg (normal: 2731 pg)
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration (MCHC)
21 pg (normal: 2731 pg)
Red blood cell distribution width
(RDW)
9% (normal: 11%14.5%)
Hemoglobin (Hgb), p. 251 5.4 g/dL (normal: 1418 g/dL)
Hematocrit (Hct), p. 248 18% (normal: 42%52%)
White blood cell (WBC) count, p.
466
7800/mm 3 (normal: 4,50010,000/mcL)
WBC differential count, p. 466 Normal differential
Platelet count (thrombocyte
count), p. 362
Within normal limits (WNL) (normal: 150,000
400,000/mm 3 )
Half-life of RBC 2630 days (normal)
Liver/spleen ratio, p. 750 1:1 (normal)
Spleen/pericardium ratio <2_1 (normal) Reticulocyte count, p. 407 3.0% (normal: 0.5%2.0%) Haptoglobin, p. 245 122 mg/dL (normal: 100150 mg/dL) Blood typing, p. 114 O+ Iron level studies, p. 287 Iron 42 (normal: 65175 mcg/dL) Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) 500 (normal: 250420 mcg/dL) Transferrin (siderophilin) 200 mg/dL (normal: 215365 mg/dL) Transferrin saturation 15% (normal: 20%50%) Case Studies Copyright © 2018 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 2 Ferritin, p. 211 8 ng/mL (normal: 12300 ng/mL) Vitamin B12, p. 460 140 pg/mL (normal: 100700 pg/mL) Folic acid, p. 218 12 mg/mL (normal: 520 mg/mL or 1434 mmol/L) Diagnostic Analysis The patient was found to be significantly anemic. His angina was related to his anemia. His normal RBC survival studies and normal haptoglobin eliminated the possibility of hemolysis.. His RBCs were small and hypochromic. His iron studies were compatible with iron deficiency. His marrow was inadequate for the degree of anemia because his iron level was reduced. On transfusion of O-positive blood, his angina disappeared. While receiving his third unit of packed RBCs, he developed an elevated temperature to 38.5°C, muscle aches, and back pain. The transfusion was stopped, and the following studies were performed: Studies Results Hgb, p. 251 7.6 g/dL Hct, p. 248 24% Direct Coombs test, p. 157 Positive; agglutination (normal: negative) Platelet count, p. 362 85,000/mm 3 Platelet antibody, p. 360 Positive (normal: negative) Haptoglobin, p. 245 78 mg/dL Diagnostic Analysis The patient was experiencing a blood transfusion incompatibility reaction. His direct Coombs test and haptoglobin studies indicated some hemolysis because of the reaction. His platelet count dropped because of antiplatelet antibodies, probably the same ABO antibodies that caused the RBC reaction. He was given iron orally over the next 3 weeks, and his Hgb level improved. A rectal examination indicated that his stool was positive for occult blood. Colonoscopy indicated a right- side colon cancer, which was removed 4 weeks after his initial presentation. He tolerated the surgery well. Critical Thinking Questions 1. What was the cause of this patient's iron-deficiency anemia? 2. Explain the relationship between anemia and angina. 3. Would your recommend B12 and Folic Acid to this patient? Explain your rationale for the answer 4. What other questions would you ask to this patient and what would be your rationale for them? The work consists of answering the 4 questions of Case study # 1 and also the 4 questions of Case study # 2 Students much review the case study and answer all questions with a scholarly response using APA and include 2 scholarly references (Journals, books) (No websites) for each case study. Answer both case studies on the same document. The answers must be in your own words with reference to the journal or book where you found the evidence to your answer. Do not copy-paste or use a past students work as all files submitted in this course are registered and saved in turn it in program. Copy-paste from websites or textbooks will not be accepted or tolerated. Turn it in Score must be less than 10 % or will not be accepted for credit, must be your own work and in your own words.