Sujet de la discussion : MedeSpace.Net :: United State Médical Licensing Examination

Publié par La Pharmacienne le 15-02-2009 03:21
#38

The answer is b, Oral ferrous sulfate.

Response to a therapeutic trial of iron is an appropriate and cost-effective method of diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia. A prompt reticulocytosis and rise in hemoglobin and hematocrit follow the administration of an oral preparation of ferrous sulfate. Intramuscular iron dextran should be reserved for situations in which compliance cannot be achieved, since this treatment is expensive, painful, and no more effective than oral iron.

Dietary modifications, such as limiting the intake of cow's milk and including iron-fortified cereals along with a mixed diet, are appropriate long-term measures, but they will not make enough iron available to replenish iron stores. The gradual onset of iron-deficiency anemia enables a child to adapt to surprisingly low hemoglobin concentrations. Transfusion is rarely indicated unless a child becomes symptomatic or is further compromised by a superimposed infection.

When the iron available for production of hemoglobin is limited, free protoporphyrins accumulate in the blood. Levels of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) are also elevated in lead poisoning. Iron-deficiency anemia can be differentiated from lead intoxication by measuring blood lead, which should be less than 10 µg/dL.