Stem cell steal after intravenous iron: a case of transient thrombocytopenia in severe iron deficiency anaemia

Transient thrombocytopenia may occur shortly after intravenous iron repletion in severe iron deficiency anaemia, despite the usual association with thrombocytosis.The "stem cell steal" phenomenon reflects a temporary shift of bone marrow progenitors toward erythropoiesis once iron becomes available.Recognizing this benign, self-limiting response prevents unnecessary investigations or interruption of essential iron therapy.