[A method for the early detection and treatment of patients with iron deficiency states]

In order to optimize the identification of persons with iron deficiency during mass prophylactic screenings, a diagnostic algorithm using a unified questionnaire was proposed and introduced into medical practice. During 1985-1987, a total of 3655 women aged 18 to 54 years belonging to different occupational groups filled in questionnaires at an industrial enterprise of Novosibirsk. The women were distributed into several groups: group I was made up of normal persons, group II of persons at risk, group III of persons with latent iron deficiency, group IV of persons with iron deficiency anemia, and group V of patients with continuously relapsing iron deficiency anemia refractory to therapy. Taking into account the groups indicated, the diagnostic and the treatment and prophylactic measures have been elaborated.