Iron therapy Flashcards
What is the most common causes of chronic anemia?
Iron deficiency
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Generalized hypoxia
(1) pallor
(2) fatigue
(3) dizziness
(4) exertional dyspnea
What are the signs of iron deficiency anemia?
Compensation for hypoxia
(1) tachycardia
(2) increased cardiac output
(3) vasodilation
In what form is oral iron therapy given?
Ferrous salts
(1) Ferrous sulfate
(2) ferrous gluconate
(3) ferrous fumarate
How much of oral iron salt administered can be absorbed?
25%
How much iron should be given daily to correct iron deficiency?
200-400mg
How long should oral iron therapy be continued?
4-6 months
What are some of the toxic effects of iron therapy?
GI symptoms
(1) nausea
(2) epigastric pain
(3) abd cramps
(4) constipation/diarrhea
When is parenteral Iron therapy given?
When oral iron is insufficient or not well tolerated.
What conditions may inhibit oral iron therapy?
Advanced renal disease requiring hemodialysis and erythroietin, as well as surgical or inflammatory conditions of the small bowel.
What is the significant treatment challenge with parenteral iron therapy?
Parenteral iron exhibits serious dose dependent toxicity.
What are the symptoms of IV iron dextran toxicity?
Headache, fever, arthralgias, N/V
How is detoxification achieved in cases of iron toxicity?
(1) Whole bowel irrigation
(2) iron chelation
What drug can be given as an iron chelator?
Deferoxamine is a potent iron chelator that does not chelate other trace metals. it is excreted in the urine
What is the result of chronic iron toxicity?
Hemochromatosis with iron induced damage in the heart, liver, pancreas, and other organs.
