Dr. Laurent Hiffler
Pediatrics
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Child aged 3 years. Iron level is 26 mcg/dL continuously since when he was 5 months old. Even though taking various iron supplements since first diagnosed at 5 months. Huge problems are sleeping, itchy skin, and mood swings. Nobody can tell me what is wrong? Is this all related?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I would be very dishonest to give you a miraculous answer after a two sentences question about something that seems going on for more than two years. Full clinical examination, growth monitoring, blood test (is iron? or ferritin?) vitamin B, immune system, need to have some details regarding his diet, his symptoms, past test, etc.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
According to the past digestive and hematologist specialists we have seen, they say my son's diet is fine. Although he does not eat large amounts, only small. He has a bundle of energy but is extremely tired after activities, to the point where he needs to rest or sleep. Since the day he was born, he has not slept through the night. He finds it very difficult to fall asleep, and then he wakes every hour.
He mostly wakes hysterical at least once during the night although it has been twice during the night hysterical lately where it looks like he is still sleeping his eyes are open, this is on top of waking each hour also. He is prone to sudden yet dramatic mood changes. He also catches colds, coughs, fevers more than what seems reasonable. I have attached the past three blood tests we have had done for your view.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Although you say diet is fine, a small amount would it be possible to do a sort of weekly report of what is he eating? Does he have any other behavioral problems such as chewing his mattress or something else? What is his growth like? (curve from birth weight and height) I would be interested to know more about these. Nevertheless, I suppose that his vitamin D level has been now corrected or is on a fair amount of daily vitamin D (cholecalciferol) as one would like his level to be at least above 40.
Similarly, the iron and ferritin level is low and although went up a bit dropped back on march tests. How long was he treated for? The most likely is an iron deficiency, and that could explain parts of his nights symptoms and dry skin. But since he has not been responding well to iron therapy (I assume), I would suggest you discuss with your doctor to test Hepcidin levels (in acquired iron deficiency it should be low in genetic form rare it is normal or elevated). This is rare but worth checking.
In conclusion, for now, I would recommend testing hepcidin level, give regular vitamin D, support omega 3 (fish oil) magnesium, avoid sugars (too much) give more protein in morning breakfast and slow carbohydrate evening time. Finally, I can see that some anti-gliadin antibodies are positive on the march test. If you have never tried, it is worth trying a gluten-free diet for at least a month and sees what happens.
Investigations to be done
Differential diagnosis
Probable diagnosis
Treatment plan
Preventive measures
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Pediatrics
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
