The role of intravenous iron in anemia management and transfusion avoidance

Auerbach M, Goodnough LT, Picard D, Maniatis A
Transfusion 2008; published on line 12 March 2008


Section Editor's Comments:


Preparations of parenteral iron that had been available in the past were often associated with increased risk of significant morbidity and mortality, usually related to anaphylaxis. Newer preparations currently available have a significantly improved safety profile.
This article reviews the available data on the use of parenteral iron, which based on limited data suggest that its use together with erythropoietin can result in the reduction of need for RBC transfusions.
The authors of this article nonetheless emphasize the need for "larger controlled trials with IV iron to further decrease the need for RBC transfusions in settings where transfusions are likely."