Q&A with Dr. Davidson
We have been hard at work collecting and analyzing data on the topic of iron infusions. Our interests lie in finding out everything we can on the subject so that we may always be improving care for our patients. We are currently conducting a Quality Improvement Project and look forward to sharing our findings when the project concludes. The below two questions came in from one of the study participants.
Why do you think it is important for the medical community to do more research around low iron and anemia in Canada?
It's interesting because there already is significant evidence in the literature that supports the benefits of aggressively treating Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia. For some reason, it's been very slow for this evidence to be translated into mainstream clinical practice. I think this starts with a lack of screening for iron deficiency in vulnerable populations. I think it would be helpful to focus on research that examines how introducing a more active screening program for iron deficiency translates into better quality of life and productivity in target patient groups. It's my belief that all women between puberty and menopause should have a screening Ferritin checked annually. I also think men in high risk groups (for example Crohn's, endurance athletes, etc) should also have a screening Ferritin. I would like to see research on how introducing this improves quality of life for these patients. There are a lot of untreated patients out there that deserve a normal quality of life and this type or research will support this.
How will doing a round table with iron deficient patients and a related Quality Improvement Project help Mainline to move patient care forward for iron deficiency patients?
I hope the Quality Improvement Project and Roundtable discussion will give us real-life stories and data that we can use to convince Health Authorities to prioritize screening and treatment for iron deficiency. This area has lacked strong advocates and consequently has not received the attention and funding it deserves. I want to be an advocate and hopefully galvanize others in the medical community to help prioritize this as an easily treatable medical issue.
Why IV iron?
IV iron is the fastest way to treat iron, with results in 3 – 4 days and full effects felt in several weeks. It is also the most reliable way to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. It is very safe but can be associated with short-lived but unpleasant side effects. Here we outline the two most common forms of IV iron:
Iron Sucrose: older type of iron usually requires multiple infusions to get full dose.
Monoferric: newer iron, allows for full dose in single infusion.
Please contact Mainline Wellness if oral supplements are ineffective and/or cause significant side effects or if any of the following applies to you or if you struggle to maintain optimal iron levels:
Underlying GI disease – Celiac, Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastric surgery
3rd trimester pregnancy
Severe anemia
Upcoming deadline like surgery, pregnancy
Ongoing bleeding