Iatrogenic anemia

Iatrogenic Anemia is a type of anemia that is caused as a result of medical treatment or diagnostic procedures. The term "iatrogenic" is derived from the Greek words "iatros" meaning "doctor" and "genein" meaning "to produce". This condition is often a side effect of certain medications or procedures, and can be a significant issue in patient care.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Iatrogenic anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Blood loss during surgery
Frequent blood tests
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs
Radiation therapy

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of iatrogenic anemia are similar to those of other types of anemia, and can include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of iatrogenic anemia typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) to check the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. Other tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the anemia.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for iatrogenic anemia depends on the cause and severity of the condition. It may involve:

Stopping or changing the medication or procedure causing the anemia
Blood transfusion
Medications to stimulate the production of red blood cells
Iron supplements

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies for iatrogenic anemia can include:

Minimizing blood loss during surgery
Using smaller volume tubes for blood tests
Monitoring patients closely for signs of anemia during treatment with medications known to cause anemia

See also[edit | edit source]

Iatrogenic anemia Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.