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Iron absorption in patients with dermatitis herpertiformis
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) patients with iron deficiency often have adequate iron absorption. Increased iron loss, not malabsorption, is the likely cause of their iron deficiency. Further investigation into iron loss is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Immunodermatology
Background:
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune skin condition often associated with celiac disease.
- Iron deficiency is a common complication in DH patients, but its cause is not fully understood.
- Previous studies suggest a potential malabsorption component in DH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate iron absorption in patients diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis.
- To determine the primary cause of iron deficiency in DH patients.
- To assess the relationship between DH, malabsorption, and iron status.
Main Methods:
- Studied iron absorption in 20 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.
- Assessed iron deficiency using bone marrow smears to detect haemosiderin.
- Administered ferrous iron orally to evaluate absorption rates.
Main Results:
- Four out of 20 DH patients exhibited iron deficiency.
- These iron-deficient patients demonstrated adequate absorption of orally administered ferrous iron.
- Iron deficiency in at least three patients was attributed to increased iron loss rather than malabsorption.
Conclusions:
- DH patients, despite potential mild malabsorption, generally absorb oral iron adequately.
- Iron deficiency in DH is more likely due to increased iron loss than defective absorption.
- Further research should focus on identifying mechanisms of increased iron loss in DH.