Refractory Sideropenic Anemia in Childhood Due to an Error of Iron Metabolism

Abstract

Abstract Two cases of essential hypochronic anemia in childhood are reported. One of the cases which developed a mild Plummer-Vinson syndrome was completely refractory to peroral as well as intravenous iron therapy. In both cases the iron metabolism has been studied by means of radioiron. The following characteristics were found: The serum iron level was extremely low but the iron binding capacity was normal. The absorption of iron from the alimentary tract was defective and intravenously injected radioiron was utilized for hemoglobin synthesis at a slow rate. There was a rapid plasma iron turnover. The hypothesis is offered that the cause of the anemia resided in an abnormality in the regulation of iron metabolism.