Iron therapy with special emphasis on intravenous administration

There is growing awareness that iron deficiency has a major impact not only on quality of life but also on immune function, oxidative stress defence, energy supply to muscles, and neurological development in infants and children. These findings mean that clinicians need to understand and reevaluate iron therapy. This book considers the latest evidence about iron metabolism, iron status evaluation, and the epidemiology and diagnosis of iron deficiency. The efficacy and safety of a number of preparations are discussed on the basis of the chemical characteristics of iron salts and complexes such as their solubility and reactivity. This book provides a theoretical framework for understanding the bioavailability and toxicology of available treatments. It also provides practical details about recommended therapies such as Venofer® (iron sucrose) and Maltofer® (iron polymaltose complex) which can be used for intravenous and oral administration.