A case of profound iron deficiency anemia owing to corrosive esophagitis in a 20-year-old developmentally delayed male.
The level of severe compensated iron deficiency anemia incompatible with life is not defined in the pediatric or adolescent literature. A hemoglobin of 1.5 gm/dl in an older adolescent with few physical symptoms is distinctly unusual. A case of profound iron deficiency anemia in a 20-year-old developmentally delayed male is the subject of this brief report. There were only subtle physical findings in spite of this severe anemia. The anemia was the result of corrosive esophagitis associated with a hiatal hernia and reflux. Physicians dealing with developmentally delayed adolescents should be aware of the fact that a severe anemia may develop, and such individuals should be periodically screened for anemia, melena, hematochezia, and hematemesis.
Buchta
R M
RM
Division of Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037.
Bickerton
R
R
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications*; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000150:complications*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male