Iron Deficiency: An Under-Recognized Problem in Kidney Transplantation. Risks of Iron Treatment.

    July 2004 in “ Transplantation ”
    Raquél Rodado, Luisa Jimeno, Manuel Campos, M. Lanuza
    TLDR Iron deficiency is common in kidney transplant patients, and while iron treatment helps, it can cause high red blood cell levels.
    The study found a high prevalence of iron deficiency in long-term kidney transplant recipients without anemia, with 62.4% of normal hematocrit (Ht) patients and 47% of posttransplant erythrocytosis (PTE) patients affected. Iron treatment resolved symptoms in patients with iron deficiency but posed a risk of developing erythrocytosis, as seen in one case where Ht increased significantly. Enalapril treatment effectively reduced Ht levels in PTE patients and increased transferrin saturation index (TSI) and ferritin levels in those with iron deficiency, but had no effect on patients without iron deficiency. The study highlighted the need for cautious use of iron treatment in this population due to the risk of erythrocytosis.
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