Anemia Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic Approach

A complete blood count (CBC) with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is recommended for initial evaluation, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2
Serum ferritin is used to assess iron stores, with levels below 15 μg/L confirming iron deficiency, as stated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and Gut 1, 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends oral iron supplementation for adults with iron deficiency anemia, with a dosage of 60-120 mg elemental iron daily 3, 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends oral iron supplementation for children with iron deficiency anemia, with a dosage of 3 mg/kg/day of iron drops 3
Treatment with oral iron supplementation should continue for 2-3 months after hemoglobin normalizes to replenish stores, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 4, 5

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends screening for anemia at the first prenatal visit and starting low-dose iron supplementation (30 mg/day) at the first prenatal visit for pregnant women 4
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends increasing iron supplementation to 60-120 mg/day if anemia develops during pregnancy 4
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends treating underlying conditions, such as chronic disease or inflammation, to manage anemia of chronic disease/inflammation 2, 7
The European Society for Medical Oncology recommends using erythropoiesis stimulating proteins for symptomatic anemia with hemoglobin below 11 g/dL, but avoiding their use for prevention or to reach high hemoglobin targets 7