Spike in rate of IV iron therapy for women

Obstetricians say it raises concerns that some usage might be inappropriate

The number of women of reproductive age receiving intravenous iron therapy has spiked fivefold, Australian researchers say. 

In an analysis of PBS data, they have shown the annual number of national dispensing claims for IV therapy jumped from 17,900 in 2013 to 97,000 in 2017, although the reasons for this are unclear.