The publication of a clinical update on the diagnosis and management of IDA in the latest MJA, by the Australian Iron Deficiency Expert Group (AIDEG), describes IDA as an important public health problem in Australia and around the world.
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common reason for unnecessary transfusion, which makes it a matter of ongoing interest to the transfusion community.
Some of the major recommendations for patients with IDA from the update include assessment for coeliac disease, that blood transfusion is inappropriate therapy for IDA and that oral iron therapy, in appropriate doses and for a sufficient time, is effective first-line treatment for most patients.
The formation of the AIDEG was an initiative of the ANZSBT supported by the Blood Service, NSW Clinical Excellence Commission (Blood Watch program), Victorian Department of Health (Blood Matters program) and the SA Department of Health (BloodSafe program).
If you are a subscriber to the MJA, you can read the article here http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/193_09_011110/pas10224_fm.html.
