Answer Key: Silent but Common: Quick Questions on Iron Deficiency in Adults

Answer Key:

1. Correct Answer: False
   While ferritin less than 30 ng/mL is diagnostic in patients without inflammation, it is less reliable in those with chronic inflammatory conditions, where ferritin may be falsely elevated. In these cases, transferrin saturation less than 20% is preferred.
   Reference: Auerbach M, DeLoughery TG, Tirnauer JS. Iron deficiency in adults: a review. JAMA. 2025;333(20):1813-1823. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.0452
    
2. Correct Answer: B. Patient with iron deficiency after bariatric surgery
   Intravenous iron is indicated in patients with poor iron absorption, such as those post–bariatric surgery. Oral iron is typically ineffective in this group.
   Reference: Auerbach M, DeLoughery TG, Tirnauer JS. Iron deficiency in adults: a review. JAMA. 2025;333(20):1813-1823. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.0452
    
3. Correct Answer: True
   Patients with iron deficiency—even without anemia—can experience symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration, depression, and restless legs syndrome.
   Reference: Auerbach M, DeLoughery TG, Tirnauer JS. Iron deficiency in adults: a review. JAMA. 2025;333(20):1813-1823. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.0452

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