IRON METABOLISM: CLINICAL EVALUATION OF IRON STORES

Abstract

Iron stores were evaluated by particles of aspirated marrow. Hemosiderin iron, when present, represents iron available for hemoglobin production. In the normal individual, small amounts of hemosiderin are visible. In anemias other than those associated with blood loss, there is a shift of iron from red cells to tissue stores, which is reflected in an increase in marrow hemosiderin. In iron deficiency there is a virtual absence of marrow iron. Only those patients with a marked reduction or absence of marrow iron will respond to iron therapy. The anemia of infection may be clearly separated from iron deficiency anemia by examination of marrow iron.