The Anemia of Infection. Xiv. Response to Massive Doses of Intravenously Administered Saccharated Oxide of Iron 1

The anemia of infection is associated with a number of alterations in iron metabolism. Previous studies (1-4) have shown that, with the development of inflammation, hypoferremia occurs and a decrease takes place in the concentration of the metal binding protein in the plasma. When iron is given by mouth, there is little change in the level of plasma iron and, following the intravenous injection of iron, only a transient rise in the plasma iron develops. These findings have suggested that diversion of iron from the plasma takes place in inflammation and infection. Studies in experimental animals have shown that iron is diverted primarily to the liver and spleen. Whether this iron is simply stored, since less can be used in the face of diminished hemoglobin production, or performs a special function in connection with the presence of inflammation, is unknown. These findings contrast with those associated