[Hematological parameters and iron therapy in women with IUD's. Experimental study].

: It is debated whether IUD use produces, through increased menstrual blood loss, changes in Hb (hemoglobin) level and in hematocrit leading sometimes to anemia. According to some authors anemia is 4-5 times more frequent in IUD users, and Hb is often below 12.0 g/100 ml, which is the level recommended by WHO. To further investigate this subject the authors of the article observed 108 women, aged 18-40, all wearers of copper IUDs. Patients were divided into 4 groups: 1) those who, before insertion of IUD, had Hb values of less than 12 g and who were not treated with iron; 2) those with Hb levels higher than 12 g, and who did not receive iron treatment; 3) those with Hb levels lower than 12 g and treated with iron, and 4) those with Hb higher than 12 g and treated with iron. Hb, hematocrit and iron level in serum were measured in all patients at 8 and 12 months after insertion of IUDs. Results indicated that: 1) in patients with Hb level higher than 12 g there were no significant changes, whether they had or they had not been treated with iron; and, 2) in patients with Hb values lower than 12 g and who had not been treated a further decrease in Hb levels and hematocrit was noted, while Hb levels and hematocrit level increased considerably in patients who had been given prophylactic iron treatment.