A Case of Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia with Normochromic, Normocytic Erythrocytes at the First Visit and Neutropenia, Shortened Life Span of Erythrocytes

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy was admitted because of common cold like symptom lasting for 2 weeks and palor. On admission the examination of his peripheral blood revealed Hb 5.5 g/dl, Ht 16.5%, RBC 180×10⁴/μl which suggested normochromic, normocytic anemia, despite of having biochemically severe iron deficency. In the process of definite diagnosis of his anemia before treatment, the clinical course was further complicated by gradual appearance of neutropenia and hypoplastic erytriod bone marrow. Moreover, red cell survival study showed shortened life span as 9.8 days. Eventually, his anemia was ascertained apparent iron deficiency anemia by the fact that all abnormalities mentioned above were cleared away with iron therapy alone. Hematological abnormalitis due to iron deficiency were discussed.