[Intravenous iron-dextran in the elderly]

127 of 1000 patients treated during the first 2 years of this department's operation were found to be anemic. In 69 of them iron deficiency was diagnosed and 54 of them were treated with intravenous iron-dextran (Imferon). It had to be stopped because of adverse effects in 11 of them; 1 of them had a nonfatal anaphylactoid reaction, 4 women, 75-84 years old, are presented to demonstrate the indications for intravenous iron therapy. Oral administration is the treatment of choice in ambulatory patients. However, when as in the cases presented it fails, because of failure-to-thrive, intolerance to the oral preparation or noncompliance, intravenous iron is indicated.