A COMPREHENSIVE RADIOISOTOPE ASSESSMENT O F FERRUM-LEK IN IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Before and after treatment iron metabolism was evaluated in 37 iron de ficient women given intravenous Ferrum Lek. In addition to standard bl ood counts and serum iron tests, iron metabolism was investigated with Fe-59 whole body radiometry in a low-background camera. The treatment effect was assessed in 1.3 and 6 months. The red blood cells and iron content in the serum returned to normal values. The effect persisted for 6 months. The initial 3 months iron accumulated in the depot, bein g further distributed in the blood. Total body iron 6 months after the treatment was at the baseline levels. It is thought adequate to use F errum Lek in the management of women with iron deficiency anemia.