Acute iron intoxication: treatment controversies.

Accidental ingestion of iron-containing preparations is a common, serious pediatric problem. Despite the frequency of this type of ingestion, the treatment remains under dispute. Controversies surrounding the use of sodium bicarbonate and phosphate solutions for complexation, oral deferoxamine lavage, and the deferoxamine provocation test are discussed. Therapeutic recommendations are made based on a review of the literature.