Insights into achieving target hemoglobin levels: Increasing the serum ferritin parameter

Abstract

AbstractEvidence suggests that higher serum ferritin levels may not be an accurate reflection of iron stores or predict a patient's response to intravenous (IV) iron. Therefore, our dialysis unit revised its IV iron and anemia management protocol, from initially holding IV iron at a lower limit of serum ferritin to now continuing IV iron therapy at higher serum ferritin levels. This article describes our facility's experiences with IV iron administration at higher serum ferritin levels and the resulting improvements in patient outcomes as measured by an improved erythropoietic response.