Clinically Relevant Updates in Iron Deficiency, with Steven Fein, MD

In part 2 of our 5-part video series, Steven Fein, MD, a telehealth hematologist with HemeOnCall, highlights a significant issue in the iron deficiency space: the US Preventive Services Task Force's 2024 decision not to recommend routine iron testing for pregnant women, citing insufficient evidence. Fein explains the resulting confusion, as many interpret this stance to mean iron testing is unnecessary, despite the common symptom of fatigue during pregnancy, which alone warrants testing. He underscores the difference between iron testing and hemoglobin testing, stressing the importance of screening for ferritin levels in this population.

Fein discusses findings from his own research, presented at ASH 2024, which revealed that 90% of pregnant women screened had ferritin levels below 30, confirming the widespread prevalence of iron deficiency during pregnancy. He attributes this to the substantial iron demands of the developing fetus and calls for a clearer approach to routine iron screening to address this pervasive yet often overlooked issue.

Relevant disclosures for Fein include Pharmacosmos Therapeutics, Sobi, Amgen, Agios, BeiGene, and others.