Assessing severity of involvement of autonomic functions in iron-deficiency anemia patients

Abstract

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most frequently found anemias in all countries. In India itself, 60–70% of population has IDA. Autonomic dysfunctions are common in anemias so also in IDAs. The present study was conducted to categorize these autonomic dysfunctions according to severity. Aims and Objective: The objective of the present study was to find if there are any autonomic dysfunctions in IDA patients and to assess the severity of autonomic dysfunction in IDA patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients of IDA were selected from hematology OPD and included in the study. The patients were subjected to autonomic function tests, and the results of the test were compared with age and socioeconomically matched healthy subjects. Results: Comparing the pattern of involvement of autonomic nervous system in IDA patients and the severity of autonomic dysfunction, it was seen that 13 (22%) had normal functions, early involvement was seen in 17 (28%) IDA patients, definite involvement is seen in 22 (37%) patients, and 5 (8%) had severe involvement, while remaining 3 (5%) had atypical involvement. Conclusion: Autonomic dysfunction manifests in IDA patients. This autonomic dysfunction may vary from early involvement to severe involvement. Severe autonomic dysfunction may even cause death in some cases.