Evaluation of Electrophysiological Alterations in Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Comparative Study of Nerve Conduction and Electrocardiographic Parameters in Young Adults
Keywords:
Iron deficiency anemia, nerve conduction study, electrocardiogram, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, electrophysiology, peripheral neuropathy, cardiac functionAbstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, affecting various physiological systems beyond hematologic function. Emerging evidence suggests that IDA impacts neurocardiac physiology, including alterations in electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and nerve conduction studies (NCS), even before clinical symptoms of neuropathy appear. This study aims to evaluate and compare electrophysiological parameters among individuals with different grades of IDA and healthy controls.
Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kannauj, involving 110 participants aged 20–40 years, divided into two groups: 55 cases with clinically and biochemically confirmed IDA and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Hematological indices (Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, ferritin), ECG (heart rate, T wave, QRS duration), and nerve conduction parameters (latency, amplitude, conduction velocity of median and ulnar nerves) were assessed. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, Chi-square, and correlation tests with a significance level of p< 0.05.
Results: Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels significantly decreased across anemia grades (p< 0.001). Heart rate increased with anemia severity (p< 0.001), while other ECG parameters showed no significant difference. Nerve conduction velocities (motor and sensory) were significantly reduced in IDA patients, particularly in moderate and severe cases. Latency was prolonged, and amplitudes were reduced in both median and ulnar nerves. Strong positive correlations were found between hemoglobin and nerve conduction velocities (r = 0.36–0.44), and serum ferritin showed moderate correlations with conduction parameters. Nerve conduction abnormalities were significantly more frequent in severe anemia (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with significant alterations in nerve conduction parameters and elevated heart rate, indicating subclinical neurocardiac involvement. These electrophysiological changes correlate with anemia severity and are potentially reversible with timely treatment. Routine evaluation of ECG and NCS may aid early detection and management of complications in IDA.
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