Etiology:

  • Chronic blood loss

  • Poor dietary intake or malabsorption

Pathogenesis:

  • Depleted iron stores → ↓ hemoglobin synthesis → microcytic, hypochromic anemia

Clinical Features:

  • Fatigue, pallor, weakness

  • Koilonychia (spoon nails)

  • Glossitis, angular cheilitis

  • Pica (craving for non-food items)

Treatment:

  • Oral/IV iron replacement

  • Treat underlying cause of blood loss