title: Symptom panorama in upper secondary school students and symptoms related to iron deficiency. Screening with laboratory tests, questionnaire and interventional treatment with iron.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study symptom panorama in students, to identify undiagnosed iron deficiency, and to evaluate any changes in symptoms and laboratory test results after treatment with iron supplementation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive and prospective, interventional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthcare in upper secondary school.
  
  
  METHODS
  Treatment with iron supplementation for a period of 3 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Students in the first grade of one upper secondary school.
  
  
  METHODS
  Frequency of iron deficiency related to symptoms measured by a questionnaire (30 questions) on symptoms related to quality of life and 9 questions about diet and exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 12% of the students (two or more abnormal laboratory tests) and in 61% of the students one or more laboratory tests were abnormal. Symptoms of vertigo/ dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. After iron supplementation there was a significant increase in s-ferritin levels and a decrease in s-transferrin levels, with an accompanying significant reduction of the symptom scores of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symptoms of vertigo/dizziness were significantly more common in students with iron deficiency. Iron supplementation reduced the symptoms of vertigo/dizziness, irritability, depressive symptoms, and indisposition.
authors: Aranässkolan, Kungsbacka, Sweden. jorgen@huslakarna-kungsbacka.se
authors: Jörgen
authors: J
authors: Månsson
authors: Gunilla
authors: G
authors: Johansson
authors: Mona
authors: M
authors: Wiklund
authors: Amir
authors: A
authors: Baigi
authors: Bertil
authors: B
authors: Marklund
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D004244:Dizziness / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D015444:Exercise; D005194:Family Practice; D005221:Fatigue / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012572:School Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014717:Vertigo / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D007501:Iron