Iron Deficiency in the Bariatric Patient

There is a direct correlation between overweight/obesity and Iron deficiency. Furthermore, bariatric surgery can lead to long-term iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Oral iron supplementation may not be effective for many of these patients. Intravenous iron infusions can significantly increase the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition but are also associated with potentially serious complications. This instructional course has been designed to provide current conceptual and operational knowledge to healthcare professionals regarding ID/IDA. For the healthcare professional involved in the treatment of these patients, this course contains current practices for best patient outcomes.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the relationship between obesity and iron deficiency.
2. Explain at least three bariatric surgical procedures.
3. List at least 5 symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
4. Identify at least 3 parenteral iron preparations.
5. Demonstrate understanding of parenteral iron administration by recognizing the steps involved in its administration.
6. Recognize at least two potential complications of iron administration.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Iron Metabolism

• Iron Regulation
  • Hepcidin
  • Ferritin
  • Transferrin
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity
  • Transferrin Saturation

Chapter 3: Bariatric Surgery

• Roux-en-Y Bypass
• Mini-gastric Bypass
• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Adjustable Gastric Band
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Gastric Bypass
• Iron Deficiency/Iron Deficiency Anemia After Bariatric Surgery
  • Iron Ingestion
  • Iron Absorption
    • Iron Deficiency Symptoms
    • Indications for Parenteral Iron Therapy

Chapter 4: Parenteral Iron Preparations

• Ferric carboxymaltose (Injectafer®)
• Ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit®)
• Ferumoxytol (Feraheme®)
• Iron sucrose (Venofer®)
• Low molecular weight iron dextran (INFeD®)
• Ferric pyrophosphate citrate (Triferic®)
• Ferric derisomaltose (Monoferric®)

Chapter 5: Administration

Chapter 6: Hypersensitivity Reactions

Chapter 7: Patient Education and Documentation

Chapter 8: References