There were no statistically significant differences in adverse effects , length of hospitalisation or mortality .
Conclusion Oral iron raises haemoglobin levels in elderly people with iron deficiency anaemia by 0.35 g/dL after 4–6 weeks , but it is unclear if this results in tangible health benefits
Background Oral iron supplementation is used widely in older people despite observational studies suggesting it is ineffective .
Objective The aim of this systematic review was to determine if oral iron therapy is effective in elderly people with iron deficiency anaemia .
Treatment of anaemia after joint replacement. A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial of ferrous sulphate versus placebo.
After total hip and knee replacement arthroplasty , patients may become anaemic and may be prescribed oral iron . There is , however , no published evidence that this is of benefit when used postoperatively . We treated 72 patients who were anaemic after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty by r and omly allocating them to receive six weeks of either oral ferrous sulphate ( 35 patients ) or a placebo ( 37 patients ) . Both groups of patients were similar in all aspects except for the treatment given . There was no statistically significant difference in the change of haemoglobin levels between the two groups . We therefore believe that the prescription of iron to all anaemic patients post-operatively should be avoided . The level of serum ferritin should be monitored at preoperative assessment
There were no statistically significant differences in adverse effects , length of hospitalisation or mortality .
Conclusion Oral iron raises haemoglobin levels in elderly people with iron deficiency anaemia by 0.35 g/dL after 4–6 weeks , but it is unclear if this results in tangible health benefits
Background Oral iron supplementation is used widely in older people despite observational studies suggesting it is ineffective .
Objective The aim of this systematic review was to determine if oral iron therapy is effective in elderly people with iron deficiency anaemia .