Does a Daily Iron Tablet Improve Anemia in Cystic Fibrosis

Iron Supplementation for the Hypoferremic Anemia of Cystic Fibrosis

This study questions whether low-dose ferrous sulfate taken by mouth daily for 6 weeks increases hemoglobin concentration in adult subjects with cystic fibrosis and hypoferremic anemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization of the lung
• Transferrin saturation (TSAT) less than or equal to 21%
• Hemoglobin concentration <15.5 gm/dl (men)
• Hemoglobin concentration <13.6 gm/dl (women)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of iron-containing vitamin or supplement
• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• Cirrhosis
• History of chronic visible (gross) hemoptysis
• Hereditary hemochromatosis
• History of transfusion-related iron overload
• Use of iron chelator(s)
• Withdrawal of informed consent
• Contraindication to phlebotomy