Iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease – what is known?

Anemia is the most common disease in the world, affecting about 30–40% of people. Children, adolescents, and women are most often affected by anemia. The main causes of true iron deficiency (ID and IDA) are insufficient iron intake, increased iron loss (chronic bleeding), increased iron requirement, and impaired iron absorption (gastrointestinal diseases). Chronic diseases, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, obesity cause an increase in the synthesis of hepcidin in the liver and block the entry of iron into the bloodstream, leading to functional iron deficiency. Anemia of chronic diseases (ACD) or anemia of chronic inflammation (the second most common anemia) is associated with the fact that iron is present in the body, but the absorption of iron in various areas is limited. Until recently, it was believed that treatment with iron supplements in the absence of iron deficiency does not bring benefit to patients with ACD. The opinion has been repeatedly expressed about the harm of iron therapy, since iron is necessary for the growth of some pathogenic microorganisms and tumor cells. However, the real clinical significance of these mainly theoretical provisions is unknown. Therefore, the prescription of iron preparations for anemia is justified and logical. Ferrous sulfate (ferrous iron) is most often prescribed orally due to its low cost, high bioavailability and effectiveness. The drug Tardiferon, containing iron sulphate 247.25 mg (in terms of iron (II) 80.00 mg), is widely used in patients with IDA and ID, since divalent iron has a high ability to overcome the intestinal barrier by “passive” transport and quickly create high concentrations in the blood, restoring the level of hemoglobin and iron stores in the body. The drug Tardiferon has a relatively low dose of iron – 80 mg with slow-release technology to avoid irritating effects on the intestine, contributing to good tolerability. A number of studies confirmed a high safety profile – patients did not refuse to take the drug due to side effects. Timely examination and identification of patients with anemia allows you to prescribe an effective correction. The drug Tardiferon promotes rapid restoration of hemoglobin and iron stores in the body and has good tolerability.

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