[Iron deficiency in elderly people: clinical presentation and management]

Iron deficiency (absolute or functional) is commonly observed (frequently without associated anemia) in up to one third of old people. Iron deficiency is the most cause of anemia in adults. Many non hematological consequences of iron deficiency are described like: cardiac failure, mood or cognitive disorders, chronic fatigue or restless leg syndrome. Iron deficiency can be orally or with intravenous iron replacement treates if necessary. Long term compliance of patients orally treated for iron deficiency is poor mainly because of fair tolerability of drugs. New regimen of intravenous iron replacement are now available when orally iron administration can not be achieved. In functional iron deficiency iron intravenous replacement seems especially relevant. However further controlled studies are necessary to assess their clinical benefits.