Ganzoni Equation for Iron Deficiency
Calculates the total iron deficit for IV iron replacement therapy in patients with iron deficiency anaemia, accounting for haemoglobin deficit and iron stores.
Score interpretation
Total iron deficit < 500 mg.
→ IV iron: single infusion (ferric carboxymaltose 500mg or iron sucrose 200–300mg per session). Oral iron (ferrous sulphate 200mg TDS) if tolerated and malabsorption excluded. Recheck FBC and ferritin in 4–8 weeks.
Total iron deficit 500–1000 mg.
→ IV iron preferred — ferric carboxymaltose 500–1000mg (single dose up to 20mg/kg max 1000mg). Oral iron less effective for this deficit. Identify and treat cause of iron deficiency. Haematology review if underlying cause not clear.
Large total iron deficit > 1000 mg.
→ IV iron infusion in divided doses (ferric carboxymaltose 1000mg infusion, repeat after 1 week if needed). Investigate and treat underlying blood loss. Consider transfusion if Hb < 7 g/dL or symptomatic. Haematology/gastroenterology review.
Interpretation bands for the Ganzoni Iron Deficit. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Ganzoni AM. Intravenous iron-dextran: therapeutic and experimental possibilities. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1970;100(7):301–303.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV Iron — Pregnancy) · IV Iron Preparation — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnancy
- Ferric Carboxymaltose · IV Iron — Anaemia
- Ferric carboxymaltose · IV iron
- Iron Supplementation (Paediatric) · Iron Supplement — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children
- Ferric Carboxymaltose · Intravenous Iron
- Ferric Carboxymaltose · Heart Failure
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.