A 56-year-old man presents with progressive fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion. Blood tests show haemoglobin 95 g per litre, mean corpuscular...

Question

A 56-year-old man presents with progressive fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion. Blood tests show haemoglobin 95 g per litre, mean corpuscular volume 72 fL and ferritin 8 micrograms per litre. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management

Accepted Answer

Start oral ferrous sulphate and investigate for an underlying cause

Answer

Arrange urgent blood transfusion and no further investigation

Answer

Reassure and repeat full blood count in 6 months

Answer

Prescribe high-dose folic acid and review

Answer

Refer immediately for bone marrow biopsy

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

A 56-year-old man presents with progressive fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion. Blood tests show haemoglobin 95 g per litre, mean corpuscular volume 72 fL and ferritin 8 micrograms per litre. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial management