Medicine

A Case of Iron Deficiency

(Summarizing and Note-Taking)

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/ida/ida.asp and answer the following questions:

1. Describe the structure of a molecule of hemoglobin and explain the role played by iron in the transport of oxygen.

Hemoglobin is a protein made up of four polypeptide chains each connected to a heme group. This is located in the erythrocytes of all vertebrates and transports most of the bloods oxygen. Each atom of the heme group can be diatomic oxygen that can lead to a change in the oxidation.

2. How is iron stored and transported in the body?

About 2/3 of the iron in a human body is stored in hemoglobin. The rest of of the iron is stored in iron storing protein known as ferritin. Ferritin is mainly used to protect the body from potential iron shortages

3. What is Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and how frequently does it occur?

Anemia rises when there is not enough iron present in the body to produce hemoglobin. This makes the red blood cells smaller, and unable to transport oxygen. A little over one billion of humans encounter iron deficiency.

4. What are the most common causes of IDA?

A leading cause of iron deficiency diet of iron, decreased absorption or different of blood loss.

5. Why are women more prone to IDA than men?

Menstruation and pregnancy, which increases their chance of blood loss, and therefore iron loss.

6. What are the red blood cell indices, and what tests are diagnostic for IDA?

Red cell indices are part of the complete blood count that is used to help diagnose various anemias. Indices include the meaning corpuscular volume. Hemoglobin and ferritin serum concentration can be taken as diagnostics for IDA.

7. How is IDA treated and prevented?

All symptoms are related to an insufficient delivery of oxygen to the extremities from cramping, fainting, and lightheaded. The symptoms of cramping in her legs...