Concerns Regarding Toddler's Iron Levels
Hello everyone! I had my daughter prematurely at 31 weeks, and she spent a couple of months in the NICU. During her stay, she dealt with severe anemia and underwent an iron transfusion, which helped to normalize her iron levels. Additionally, she has a very rare condition known as "aplasia cutis congenita." While I don't think this is related to her iron levels, I mention it in case anyone has relevant insights. Now, fast forward to today—she’s 3.5 years old. We recently conducted blood tests due to her having unusual bruises, recurring back pain, occasional headaches, development of petechiae, and swollen lymph nodes during non-illness periods. The results indicated an iron level of 170 mcg/dL, while the normal range for her age is between 25 and 100. Her ferritin level was only 18 ng/mL, which is within the acceptable range of 5 to 100 for her age. Furthermore, her thrombin clotting time was elevated. Her hemoglobin was recorded at 13.5, where the standard range is 11.5 to 14.0 g/dL, and her platelet count was on the higher side at 416, exceeding the upper limit of 400,000 thousand/uL. We have a hematology consultation lined up for April 1, but I’m curious to hear your thoughts on her situation. I have faced various health challenges throughout my life and hers, so I welcome any honest opinions regarding what might be happening and possible next steps. We also recently visited a nephrology specialist due to elevated BUN levels, but thankfully, both the kidney ultrasound and urine tests came back normal. The nephrologist expressed concern about her iron levels and was relieved to hear we have a hematology appointment forthcoming. To note, she isn’t taking any medications, follows a typical toddler diet (which doesn’t include much iron), and neither her father nor I have hemochromatosis. She also tested negative for rheumatoid arthritis, and her kidney ultrasound results were reassuring. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 9:50:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing detailed information about your daughter's situation. It’s understandable to have concerns given her medical history and current symptoms. Here’s a summary of the main points and next steps based on the information provided:
Main Points:
- Your daughter has elevated iron levels but low ferritin, which can indicate a possible imbalance in iron metabolism.
- Other symptoms like unusual bruising, back pain, headaches, and elevated thrombin time warrant careful consideration.
- A consultation with a hematologist is scheduled, which is a crucial next step.
Explanation:
- Elevated Iron Levels: An iron level of 170 mcg/dL is higher than normal, while her ferritin level of 18 ng/mL is on the lower end. Ferritin reflects the stored iron in the body, and low levels can indicate iron depletion despite having high serum iron.
- Unusual Symptoms: The bruising and other symptoms may relate to blood disorders or issues with blood clotting since you mentioned elevated thrombin time. Regardless, these symptoms are important to discuss with your hematologist.
- Previous Medical History: Considering her history of prematurity, anemia, and the rare condition of aplasia cutis congenita, any potential effects on her overall health or blood function should be evaluated.
Next Steps:
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Continue with the Hematology Consultation: Bring up all your concerns during the upcoming consultation, especially about her iron levels and the symptoms like bruising and back pain. The hematologist will likely recommend further tests to see how her body is handling iron.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track her symptoms—such as when bruises appear, any pain episodes, and general energy levels. This can help the doctor understand patterns and provide better care.
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Monitor Dietary Intake: Since her diet doesn’t include much iron, consider gradually introducing iron-rich foods (e.g., spinach, beans, fortified cereals) while ensuring she receives a balanced diet. However, don't make any major dietary changes without consulting the hematologist first.
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Address Symptoms Proactively: If any symptoms worsen before the hematology appointment—like increased pain, new bruising, or changes in energy levels—consider reaching out for immediate support.
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Stay Informed: Ask questions during the hematology appointment about her test results and possible implications. Understanding these details will help you make informed decisions regarding her care.
You’re doing a great job seeking information and support for your daughter's health. It’s good to have an expert team in place for her care, and I hope the upcoming appointment provides the clarity and direction needed. Let me know if you have further questions or need more support!
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