1. What is the Global RPH Infed Calculator for Iron Dose?

Definition: This calculator estimates the iron dose required to correct iron deficiency anemia using the Ganzoni formula.

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals determine the appropriate dose of intravenous iron needed to reach a target hemoglobin level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ganzoni formula:

Where:

• Dose — Iron dose (mg)
• desired Hb — Target hemoglobin level (g/dL)
• observed Hb — Current hemoglobin level (g/dL)
• LBW — Lean body weight (kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates the iron deficit based on the hemoglobin difference and adds iron needed to replenish stores.

3. Importance of Accurate Iron Dose Calculation

Details: Proper iron dosing ensures effective anemia correction while avoiding iron overload and potential toxicity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the desired and observed hemoglobin levels (g/dL) and the patient's lean body weight (kg). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Lean Body Weight (LBW)?
A: LBW is body weight minus fat mass. For males: LBW = (0.407 × weight in kg) + (0.267 × height in cm) - 19.2. For females: LBW = (0.252 × weight in kg) + (0.473 × height in cm) - 48.3.

Q2: What's a typical target hemoglobin?
A: Generally 12-13 g/dL for women and 13-14 g/dL for men, but targets should be individualized.

Q3: Why is there a 0.26 × LBW component?
A: This accounts for iron needed to replenish body stores (500-1000 mg typically).

Q4: How should the dose be administered?
A: Intravenous iron is typically given in divided doses, not as a single infusion.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: It doesn't account for ongoing losses (e.g., bleeding) or inflammatory conditions affecting iron utilization.