Question
A 6-year-old girl with iron deficiency anemia is started on oral iron therapy. Which is the earliest biochemical indicator of response to treatment?
| A. |
Increased reticulocyte count
|
| B. |
Increased hemoglobin
|
| C. |
Increased ferritin
|
| D. |
Increased serum iron
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » D
Explanation
|
|
Serum iron increases within 12–24 hours after administration of oral iron due to intestinal absorption. It is the earliest biochemical change following iron therapy.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Increased reticulocyte count
- Occurs later, usually 48–72 hours after therapy begins, with a peak at 7–10 days.
B. Increased hemoglobin concentration
- Begins to rise after 2–3 weeks.
C. Increased ferritin level
- Reflects replenishment of iron stores and increases much later.
