Gökhan AYDENİZ, Ramazan ESEN, Ali DOĞAN
Journal of Current Hematology & Oncology Research - 2026;4(1):7-11
Aims : The present study evaluates the treatment responses and adverse effect profile of intravenous (IV) iron (ferric carboxymaltose) therapy in patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods : The medical records of 65 patients diagnosed with IDA and treated with IV iron therapy after presenting to various clinics in our center between 2014 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and post-treatment hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels were compared, treatment-related adverse effects were recorded, and improvements in symptoms were noted. Results : The patients were aged 18-90 years, and 89.2% (n=58) were female. Significant improvements were observed in all laboratory parameters following IV iron therapy. The mean Hb increased from 9.8 g/dl before treatment to 12.7 g/dl after treatment (p<0.001); while the median serum ferritin increased from 4.6 mug/L before treatment to 231 mug/L after treatment, indicating a replenishment of iron stores (p<0.001). All patients experienced an improvement in clinical symptoms, while six (9.2%) developed an allergic reaction to the IV iron therapy. Conclusion : The present study demonstrated that IV iron therapy rapidly and significantly increases Hb levels and replenishes iron stores, alleviates symptoms, and exhibits an acceptable safety profile in patients with IDA. The incidence of serious adverse effects from IV iron therapy is low, and it can thus be considered an effective treatment approach, particularly in patients who are unresponsive to or intolerant of oral iron therapy.
