91530 Pathophysiology Case Study: Iron Deficiency Anemia and Fibroids

This case study presents an analysis of a 32-year-old woman, Diane, who presents to her general practitioner with persistent tiredness and weakness, indicative of iron deficiency anemia. The analysis delves into the underlying causes, including heavy menstrual bleeding, a vegetarian diet, and the presence of uterine fibroids, which contribute to blood loss and reduced iron intake. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of Diane's use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen for pain management, potentially leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. The report explores the pathophysiological basis of iron deficiency anemia, the implications of fibroids, and the effects of NSAIDs on Diane's health. It also analyzes potential management and treatment options to improve her quality of life, considering the expected outcomes of the suggested interventions. The case study references relevant medical literature to support the analysis and recommendations.

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY 1
Introduction to Case Study
Name of Author
Institution
Date of Submission

INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY 2
Introduction to Case Study
The case study presents an analysis of the case of Diane who is 32 year old and presents
to her general practitioner with extreme consistent tiredness and weakness. According to the
medical history of Diane, it can be indicated that she is suffering from Iron Deficiency Anemia.
The prominent symptoms of anemia include the development of pale skin that is cool to touch,
persistent tiredness and weakness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. Iron deficiency anemia
indicates a pathological condition where the human body lacks adequate healthy red blood cells
that can carry oxygen effectively throughout the body. Insufficient iron dictates the Diane is not
able to synthesize enough Hemoglobin required by red blood cells to transport oxygen
(Lanzkowsky, 2016).
When the symptoms are not managed in time, the symptoms similar to those manifested
by Diane occur. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by several factors. Diane indicates that she
has had heavy menstrual flows. Loss of significant amounts of blood leaves the body with less
blood to meet its vascular system demands. In normal cases, the lost blood can be replenished
through food. However, in the case of Diane, she follows a strict vegetarian diet. This indicates
that she is not able to get the additional iron element from animal products to replenish the lost
blood (Camaschella, 2015).
Consequently, the examination of Diane vagina reveals non-tender nodularity of the
uterus. This signifies that Diane has developed fibroids. According to Bulun (2013), fibroids are
associated with heavy periods, bleeding, painful periods like the extremely painful cramps
experienced by Diane. They can also lead to pressure on the bladder, causing a high frequency of

INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY 3
urination, just like the case of Diane. Moreover, fibroids also cause pain during sexual
intercourse, as indicated by Diane to the GP. In addition, the use of Non-steroidal Anti-
inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines (Lanas et
al., 2015). Diane is currently, taking Ibuprofen as a medication for pain against her left Knee and
menstrual pain. As such, there is a possibility that Diane could be experiencing gastrointestinal
bleeding too.
This case study analysis will analyze the pathophysiological basis of Iron deficiency
Anemia and the implications of fibroids and the use of NSAIDs to the health of Diane. Further, it
will analyze the possible management and treatment options available to improve the quality of
health of Diane. Similarly, the analysis would review the possible outcomes expected as a result
of the implementation of the suggested treatment options.

INTRODUCTION TO CASE STUDY 4
References
Bulun, S. E. (2013). Uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 369(14), 1344-1355.
Camaschella, C. (2015). Iron-deficiency anemia. New England journal of medicine, 372(19),
1832-1843.
Lanas, Á., Carrera-Lasfuentes, P., Arguedas, Y., García, S., Bujanda, L., Calvet, X., ... &
Sostres, C. (2015). Risk of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet agents, or anticoagulants. Clinical
Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 13(5), 906-912.
Lanzkowsky, P. (2016). Iron-deficiency anemia. In Lanzkowsky's Manual of Pediatric
Hematology and Oncology (pp. 69-83). Academic Press.