Intravenous Iron Replacement Therapy
Why Intravenous Iron Replacement Therapy?
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common condition affecting approximately 12% of our South African population. It is a condition in which blood lacks adequate health red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
This results in significant morbidity – with patients experiencing extreme fatigue, weakness, racing heart beats (tachycardia), shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, unusual cravings (ice, sand, paper) and poor appetite.
Common causes of iron deficiency anaemia include
- Blood loss
Via 'hidden' gastrointestinal bleeding or via heavy menstrual losses. Gastrointestinal bleeding may be due to bleeding from a gastric ulcer, hiatus hernia, colonic polyp, abnormal blood vessels or gastrointestinal cancers.
- Lack of dietary iron intake
This is due to a diet deficient from iron containing foods (such as meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables).
- Inability to absorb iron
Ingested iron is absorbed in our small intestine. Certain conditions such as Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease may interfere with our ability to absorb ingested iron, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.
- Pregnancy
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs in many pregnant women because of their increased blood volume as well as iron being used as a source of haemoglobin for the growing fetus.
- Blood loss
Via 'hidden' gastrointestinal bleeding or via heavy menstrual losses. Gastrointestinal bleeding may be due to bleeding from a gastric ulcer, hiatus hernia, colonic polyp, abnormal blood vessels or gastrointestinal cancers. - Lack of dietary iron intake
This is due to a diet deficient from iron containing foods (such as meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables). - Inability to absorb iron
Ingested iron is absorbed in our small intestine. Certain conditions such as Coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease may interfere with our ability to absorb ingested iron, leading to iron deficiency anaemia. - Pregnancy
Iron deficiency anaemia occurs in many pregnant women because of their increased blood volume as well as iron being used as a source of haemoglobin for the growing fetus.
Many people respond to oral iron therapy – however, for those who remain symptomatic despite optimal treatment doses and time – intravenous iron replacement is indicated. Patients undergo their infusion in Dr. Coovadia’s fully equipped infusion room and report significant improvements in their symptoms.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Coovadia’s team should you have any queries relating to iron replacement therapy.