[Iron metabolism: methods for the diagnosis of abnormalities. Current approaches for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Review of the literature and case histories].

The paper contains a concise summary of information now available concerning bodily iron metabolism in human beings. Consideration is given to mechanisms of formation of iron deficiency. An analysis of present-day methods of diagnosis of iron deficiency during different stages of its formation is given. A protocol-scheme for the drug aktiferrin to be employed in the patients has been developed, which fact permits normalizing indices for the peripheral red blood dispelling iron deficiency in those patients presenting with iron deficiency anemia. Pathogenetic mechanisms of disordered iron metabolism in the human organism are discussed together with correction thereof.