IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA - WHEN IS PARENTERAL THERAPY WARRANTED

Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem encountered in primary care practice. Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the possible causes are identified, replacement of iron stores is indicated. Most patients re spond favorably to oral iron preparations. However, therapy with intra venous iron dextran (InFeD) may be warranted in some cases. Side effec ts, which are usually mild, occur in 25% of patients. Test doses of un diluted iron dextran occasionally elicit anaphylactic reactions. Howev er, affected patients still may be successfully treated intravenously with-the use of prophylactic antihistamines, corticosteroids, and hist amine, blockers, Treatment of iron deficiency anemia almost always bri ngs symptomatic improvement.