Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 1992
Review Case ReportsIron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease. Clues to differentiating these conditions.
Iron deficiency occurs when the body's iron stores are exhausted. The source of blood loss leading to iron deficiency must be identified in all cases. Anemia of chronic disease generally results from an infectious, inflammatory, or malignant process. ⋯ Differentiating iron deficiency anemia from anemia of chronic disease may be difficult because of similarities in presentation. Physicians need to be aware of special clinical considerations when these two types of anemia coexist. Ferrous sulfate therapy is the ideal form of iron replacement.
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Carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant health threat in the United States. Smoke inhalation from fires is the most common source. History of carbon monoxide exposure and elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels should alert physicians to the diagnosis of acute poisoning. ⋯ If suspicion remains, carboxyhemoglobin levels should be determined and oxygen therapy should be started empirically while laboratory results are pending. Prompt administration of hyperbaric oxygen may reduce the risk of death. If carbon monoxide poisoning is confirmed, the source must be identified and recommendations for correction or avoidance should be made.