A 68-year-old man presents with pallor and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 85 g/L with MCV 70 fL. Ferritin is low. He has no obvious bleeding histor...

Question

A 68-year-old man presents with pallor and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 85 g/L with MCV 70 fL. Ferritin is low. He has no obvious bleeding history. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy to investigate for occult GI malignancy

Answer

Start oral iron therapy only and review in 6 months

Answer

Reassure and repeat blood tests in 1 year

Answer

Start erythropoietin injections

Answer

Refer for bone marrow biopsy as first-line

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Iron-deficiency anaemia in older man

A 68-year-old man presents with pallor and exertional dyspnoea. FBC shows Hb 85 g/L with MCV 70 fL. Ferritin is low. He has no obvious bleeding history. What is the most appropriate next step in management?