Assessment of peripheral nerve conduction in iron-deficiency anemia patients in adult population of India attending a tertiary care hospital

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder, particularly in developing countries like India. While its hematological effects are well recognized, the impact on peripheral nerve function remains underexplored. Iron plays a critical role in myelin synthesis, neurotransmission, and axonal metabolism, suggesting that IDA may lead to subclinical neuropathy. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to assess peripheral motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters in adults with IDA and compare them with healthy controls. Additionally, to analyze the correlation between anemia severity and nerve conduction abnormalities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 IDA patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls at a tertiary care hospital in Jhansi from May 2024 to May 2025. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed using standard techniques to evaluate latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity. Statistical comparisons were made using t-tests and analysis of variance. Results: IDA patients exhibited significantly prolonged latencies, reduced amplitudes, and decreased conduction velocities in both motor and sensory nerves (P