The initial response to iron therapy in a child suffering from iron-deficiency anemia is: (A) Reticulocytosis, (B) Replacement of intracellular iron enzymes, (C) Initial bone marrow response, (D) Erythroid hyperplasia
Answer is B. Response to iron therapy can be documented by an increase in reticulocytes 5-10 days after the initiation of iron therapy. The hemoglobin concentration increases by about 1 g/dL weekly until normal values are restored Replacement of intracellular iron enzymes Ref essential paediatrics op ghai 9e