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

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent hematological disorder caused by depleted iron stores necessary for hemoglobin synthesis, affecting over 50% of anemia cases globally, particularly in children under five, pregnant women, and women of reproductive age. It results from factors like insufficient dietary iron, impaired absorption, chronic blood loss, and increased demand, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and cognitive impairments in children. Diagnosis involves assessing hemoglobin, ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and TIBC. Treatment includes iron supplementation, nutritional optimization, and addressing underlying causes, with modern approaches focusing on individualized care and prevention.