Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adolescents Who Present with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Amanda G. Cooke, Timothy L. McCavit, George R. Buchanan, Jacquelyn M. Powers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Study Objective To assess the clinical severity and initial treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in female adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in our center. Design Retrospective cohort study of electronic medical records via search of administrative records using International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision codes for IDA or unspecified anemia and disorders of menstruation. Setting Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Participants One hundred seven patients with HMB and concomitant IDA (median age, 14.4 years) who presented to the outpatient, emergency department, and/or inpatient settings. Results The median initial hemoglobin concentration for all patients (n = 107) was 7.4 g/dL, and most (74%, n = 79) presented to the emergency department or via inpatient transfer. Symptomatic IDA was treated with blood transfusion in 46 (43%, n = 46). Ferrous sulfate was the most commonly prescribed oral iron therapy. Seven patients received intravenous iron therapy either initially or after oral iron treatment failure. Combined oral contraceptives were commonly prescribed for abnormal uterine bleeding, yet 10% of patients (n = 11) received no hormonal therapy during their initial management. Evaluation for underlying bleeding disorders was inconsistent. Conclusion Severe anemia because of IDA and HMB resulting in urgent medical care, including hospitalization and blood transfusion, is a common but underemphasized problem in adolescent girls. In addition to prevention and early diagnosis, meaningful efforts to improve initial management of adolescents with severe HMB and IDA are necessary.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-250
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2017

Keywords

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Adolescents
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Transfusion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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