Which signs and symptoms are commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Fissures at the corners of the mouth, brittle nails, low hemoglobin, low serum ferritin
• B. Weight gain and elevated ferritin
• C. Joint pain and skin ulcers
• D. Elevated hemoglobin and high MCV

Answer: (A)

Iron deficiency anemia shows changes in tissues that rely on rapid cell turnover, along with lab evidence of depleted iron stores. Fissures at the corners of the mouth and brittle nails reflect mucocutaneous and nail bed changes that commonly occur when iron is lacking. The accompanying low hemoglobin confirms anemia, and the low serum ferritin specifically indicates depleted iron stores. Together, these findings fit iron deficiency best because ferritin is a marker of stored iron and hemoglobin reflects the reduced ability to carry oxygen.

The other patterns don’t match this picture. Weight gain with high ferritin isn’t typical of iron deficiency and can point to inflammation or iron overload. Joint pain and skin ulcers aren’t characteristic signs of iron deficiency anemia. Elevated hemoglobin with high MCV would be inconsistent with iron deficiency, which usually presents with low hemoglobin and a tendency toward microcytosis (low MCV).