Iron deficient erythropoiesis

Erythropoiesis is the segment of hematopoiesis concerned with the production of red cells. It is highly dependent on a continuous supply of iron from circulation. This iron, bound to transferrin, is taken up by transferrin receptors, transmembrane proteins predominantly present on the external surface of normoblasts in the bone marrow.

Inadequate iron supply for hemoglobin synthesis results in iron-deficient erythropoiesis. This stage has been defined as transferrin saturation below 18% or free erythrocyte protoporphyrins  (FEP) over 70 ug/100 ml red blood cells.

Iron deficient erythropoiesis is the second stage of iron deficiency disorders and it occurs when inadequate iron is available to the erythroid marrow and tissues for normal biochemistry and function. The last stage is iron deficiency anemia with a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Iron deficient erythropoiesis may occur when there is markedly increased iron requirement in the presence of normal transferrin saturation, for example, in patients with thalassemia major.
Iron deficient erythropoiesis