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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Aug 6, 2013; 4(3): 49-53
Published online Aug 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i3.49
Emerging causes of iron deficiency anemia refractory to oral iron supplementation
Sean Warsch, John Byrnes
Sean Warsch, John Byrnes, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, United States
Author contributions: Both authors contributed to data collection and writing of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: John Byrnes, MD, Professor, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, United States. jbyrnes@med.miami.edu
Telephone: +1-305-2436611 Fax: +1-305-2435239
Received: May 1, 2013
Revised: June 20, 2013
Accepted: June 28, 2013
Published online: August 6, 2013
Processing time: 91 Days and 17.8 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Decreased absorption of oral iron leading to iron deficiency is a significant cause of anemia in several patient groups, including those status post gastric bypass surgery and those with inflammatory bowel disease. In these patients, oral iron supplementation is unlikely to correct the deficiency. Intravenous iron is a safe, effective treatment strategy for overcoming the iron deficit seen in these patients, resulting in better outcomes and improved quality of life.