[Esophageal lesions induced by iron tablets]

Oesophageal injury in the form of ulcers, with deposition of iron salts, was diagnosed histologically in 12 patients over a 3-years period. One patient died following perforation of the oesophagus. Not in any of the patients was the use of iron tablets thought of clinically as a possible cause of the lesion. This appears to be the most likely explanation, however, owing to the fact that the use of iron sulphate tablets of sustained release type was reported by ten out of 12 patients. The patients were all elderly and the majority were bedridden. Any gain from using iron medication in the elderly and bedridden should be weighed against the potential danger related to the use of iron sulphate tablets of sustained release type.