Case study of the anemic patient: epoetin alfa--focus on iron management.

Optimal maintenance of iron status is the keystone to sustaining normal erythrocyte production and function. Despite ongoing educational efforts for health care professionals and patients, iron management remains a challenge for clinicians managing patients who receive Epoetin alfa therapy. This article illustrates how to use a protocol to improve iron management in these patients; two case studies provide examples of the clinical application of the protocol.