Doctors urge more iron deficiency tests

IRON deficiency is a bigger problem in Australia than people think, three top doctors say.

Pregnant women, young children, heart patients and indigenous people in remote areas are at particular risk.

The doctors say iron deficiency and related cases of anaemia are widespread and underdiagnosed, and screening should be a routine part of primary health care.

At a discussion hosted on Thursday by intravenous iron product producer Vifor Pharma, Associate Professor Al Khalafallah said iron deficiency could lead to "terrible" outcomes.

These include pregnancy and birth complications, a lower quality of life, unnecessary blood transfusions, depression, surgical problems, shorter duration of breastfeeding and delayed development among newborn babies.

The Tasmanian haematologist said up to one in four Australian women and one in six men were iron deficient. The problem was even worse among indigenous people in remote areas.

Prof Khalafallah said pregnant mothers should routinely be given a quick and easy blood test for ferritin, a protein that stores iron.

"This condition is costing Australians millions of dollars each year in lost productivity, decreased educational performance, prolonged stays in hospital after surgery and potentially mortality."

Scientists in Adelaide and Hobart are part of a world-first international clinical study looking at the treatment of iron deficiency and related anaemia in pregnancy.

Dr Bernard Froessler, an anaesthesia specialist leading the study in Adelaide, said iron deficiency was more common in pregnant women than previously thought "and undiagnosed in most".

"The importance of screening is often underestimated. Checks should be initiated by obstetricians from the very first appointment."

He said it was hoped that by treating the mother, a baby could be protected from developmental delays and immunity issues.

Sydney cardiologist Professor Andrew Sindone said the effect of iron deficiency on heart failure was "staggering".

"We don't understand whether iron deficiency is a marker in heart failure patients or causing the problem, but we have found it increases mortality rates and decreases quality of life, said Prof Sindone.

He said people received a pleasant surprise if an iron deficiency was detected and treated effectively.

But the doctors agreed that few iron products on the market worked, and a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals may be needed.

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