Please read "A Case of Iron Deficiency Anemia: Commentary" below

Anna Monias, MD, Erickson Retirement Communities, Oak Crest Village, Parkville, MD, USA.

Mr. WH is a 72-year-old-man who presented in April 2004 with a hematocrit of 21%. His previous hematocrit was 34% in February 2004. He complained of bright red blood per rectum and rectal pain secondary to external hemorrhoids. Mr. H was admitted with a presumed gastrointestinal bleed.
Mr. H’s past medical history is significant for bovine aortic valve prosthesis in 1997 secondary to aortic stenosis, Addison’s disease, hypocalcemia, seizure disorder, B12 deficiency, colon cancer with partial colon resection, and small bowel obstruction due to adhesions. Mr. H had chronic diarrhea secondary to bowel surgeries. His last colonoscopy was in 1997 and it revealed hemorrhoids. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy done at the time showed duodenitis.
The patient’s medications on hospital admission were as follows: calcium carbonate 500mg three times a day, vitamin B12 1000mcg I.M. monthly, divalproex sodium 750mg twice a day, hydrocortisone 25mg every 12 hours, vitamin D 100,000 IU every three months, phenobarbital 30mg every 12 hours, lasix 20mg by mouth daily, and potassium chloride 20m.e.q. daily. He has no known drug allergies.