Peripheral neuropathy in severe iron deficiency anemia: A case report

Abstract

Anemia is a global health problem that need medical attention. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), in particular is the most common nutritional deficiency anemia prevalent in India. Iron essential for effective myelination of peripheral nervous system.1 Nerve conduction studies are one of the neurophysiological investigations that can quantitatively detect peripheral nerve dysfunction.2 In this case report, we present findings of nerve conduction studies performed on a case of severe iron deficiency anemia and the associated peripheral neurodeficit observed in the case study. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was performed in bilateral median and ulnar motor and sensory nerves. CMAP (compound muscle action potential) and SNAP(sensory nerve action potential) and motor and sensory NCV (nerve conduction velocity) was decreased and the distal latency was prolonged in both ulnar and median nerves. These observations indicate a sensorimotor demyelinating and axonal peripheral neuropathy in the patient due to iron deficiency.