Disorders of Iron Metabolism and Heme Synthesis

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to disorders of iron metabolism and heme synthesis, essential for understanding anemia and iron-related disorders.

absolute iron deficiency

A condition characterized by a decrease in total body iron due to blood loss, decreased intake, or increased utilization.

functional iron deficiency

A condition where iron stores are present but not adequately utilized, often seen in syndromes of iron sequestration.

anemia of chronic diseases (ACD)

A type of anemia that arises due to chronic inflammation or disease, leading to iron sequestration and ineffective erythropoiesis.

hypoproliferative anemia

Anemia characterized by a decreased rate of red blood cell production.

sideroblastic anemias

A group of anemias involving defective hemoglobin synthesis leading to ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow.

hemochromatosis

A genetic disorder causing excessive absorption of iron resulting in iron overload.

ferroportin

An iron export protein regulated by hepcidin, critical for controlling iron levels in the body.

hepcidin

A peptide hormone produced by the liver that regulates iron metabolism by inhibiting iron absorption.

transferrin

A glycoprotein that binds and transports iron in the bloodstream.

total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

A laboratory measure of the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin.

iron deficiency anemia (IDA)

A form of anemia caused by insufficient iron to form hemoglobin.

soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)

A marker that reflects erythroid activity and iron status in the body.

porphyria

A group of disorders characterized by abnormal heme production, leading to the accumulation of porphyrins.

anemia of inflammation (AOI)

Anemia caused by inflammation leading to increased hepcidin and impaired iron mobilization.

characteristic signs of IDA

Pallor, fatigue, weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections, especially in children.

laboratory findings in IDA

Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, ferritin, and increased TIBC.