Latent Iron Deficiency

Latent Iron Deficiency
Classification and external resources
Specialty	endocrinology
ICD-10	E61.1
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Latent iron deficiency (LID), also called iron-deficient erythropoiesis, is a medical condition in which there is evidence of iron deficiency without anemia (normal hemoglobin level). It is important to assess this condition because it is accepted that individuals with latent iron deficiency will develop iron-deficiency anemia in the weeks or months following diagnoses of LID if they are not treated with iron supplementation. In addition, there is some evidence of a decrease in vitality and an increase in fatigue among individuals that have LID.

The clinical features of LID are in discussion, some studies have not shown a clear difference between individuals with LID and control a group of the same age, gender and origin without LID. But may be it is not wrong to say that the persons with LID have a mild decrease in vitality and increase of fatigue. What seems important for preventive healthcare is to detect this medical condition, because it will avoid the patient probably developing an iron-deficiency anemia.

Note: Iron therapy must be suspended 48 hours beforehand to ensure valid test results.

The normal range for hemoglobin is 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia but will be normal for LID.

Normal serum iron is between 60 to 170 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). Normal total iron-binding capacity for both sexes is 240 to 450 μg/dL. Total iron-binding capacity increases when iron deficiency exists.

Serum ferritin levels reflect the iron stores available in the body. The normal range is 20 to 200 ng/mL for men and 15 to 150 ng/ml for women. Low levels (< 12 ng/mL) are specific for iron deficiency. However, inflammatory and neoplastic disorders can cause ferritin levels to increase - this may be seen in cases of hepatitis, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and GI tract tumors.

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