Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyA rapid infusion protocol is safe for total dose iron polymaltose: time for change.
Intravenous correction of iron deficiency by total dose iron polymaltose is inexpensive and safe, but current protocols entail prolonged administration over more than 4 h. This results in reduced patient acceptance, and hospital resource strain. We aimed to assess prospectively the safety of a rapid intravenous protocol and compare this with historical controls. ⋯ Iron polymaltose can be successfully administered using a rapid total dose infusion protocol and was well accepted by patients. It offers significant cost, resource utilization and time benefits for the patient and hospital system.
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Internal medicine journal · Jul 2011
ReviewAustralian guidelines for the assessment of iron overload and iron chelation in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia major, sickle cell disease and other congenital anaemias.
Iron overload is the most important cause of mortality in patients with thalassaemia major. Iron chelation is therefore a critical issue in the management of these patients and others with transfusion-dependent haemoglobinopathies and congenital anaemias. ⋯ A group of Australian haematologists has convened to formulate guidelines for managing iron overload on the basis of available evidence, and to describe best consensus practice as undertaken in major Australian Haemoglobinopathy units. The results of their discussions are described in this article, with the aim of providing guidance in the management of iron overload in these patients.