Which of the following is an appropriate option for treating the patient (we will address treatment of iron deficiency anemia in more detail in another case study)?
Treatment (2 of 2)
Which of the following is an appropriate option for treating the patient (we will address treatment of iron deficiency anemia in more detail in another case study)?
No, folate will not resolve the iron deficiency.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to treat iron deficiency with iron supplements rather than exposing the patient to donor blood. However, that is not always possible or reasonable. For example, if the patient is symptomatic form their anemia or if they have underlying coronary artery disease, the threshold for transfusion is lower.
Yes, the oral route is reasonable in patients who can tolerate it (oral iron causes gastrointestinal symptoms in up to one-third of patients) and provided there is no malabsorption. The typical dose is 60-200 mg elemental iron per day. Options include ferrous sulfate 325 mg and ferrous gluconate 325 mg.
IV iron is also a possibility. Indications for IV iron are intolerance to oral iron, malabsorption of iron, and a need to quickly replenish iron stores.
For more information on treatment, see iron deficiency topic in DynaMed.
