IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: EPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, AND MODERN TREATMENT APPROACHES

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread hematological disorders worldwide and develops as a result of depleted iron stores required for hemoglobin synthesis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50% of anemia cases globally are associated with iron deficiency, with particularly high prevalence among children under five years of age, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age¹. This condition imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems and is associated with reduced work productivity, delayed cognitive development, and impaired immune function.

The etiology of IDA is multifactorial and includes insufficient dietary iron intake, impaired intestinal absorption, chronic blood loss, and increased physiological demand. The pathogenesis involves a gradual depletion of iron stores, decreased hemoglobin synthesis, and the formation of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes. These changes lead to tissue hypoxia and disruption of metabolic processes.

Clinically, IDA presents with both general and specific manifestations. General symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and dyspnea, while specific signs include koilonychia, hair loss, angular stomatitis, and pica syndrome. In children, iron deficiency negatively affects intellectual and psychomotor development.

Diagnosis is based not only on hemoglobin levels but also on ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Treatment strategies include oral or parenteral iron supplementation, nutritional optimization, and elimination of underlying etiological factors. Modern approaches emphasize individualized treatment and strengthened preventive measures.