In Case You Missed It: Screening for Iron Deficiency with ZPP

Abstract

Dr Russell has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. Iron deficiency is a common finding during early development as normal growth acceleration can often outpace total body iron stores and iron intake and absorption. Although a CBC and ferritin are routinely used in many pediatric practices to identify iron deficiency anemia (IDA), they have limited utility as a screening tool in identifying a deficiency in iron prior to the development of anemia. Although iron deficiency is commonly associated with IDA, the larger-view rationale for iron therapy is to promote normal neurodevelopment. Hence, identifying an inexpensive screening instrument that is …