Effect of correction of anemia in severe congestive heart failure

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is common in patients with heart failure, and the combination of erythopoietin and intravenous iron has been [Table presented] shown to improve their clinical status. We investigated the effect of correction of anemia on cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) with just intravenous iron. Methods: Sixty-four patients with severe CHF (NYHA III or IV), a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) <35% despite maximally tolerated doses of CHF medication and whose hemoglobin levels (Hb) were <12 gr% were randomized into two equal groups: treatment group (n = 32) receiving iron sucrox complex (200 mg weekly for 6 weeks), and control group (n = 32) receiving saline. Patients did not receive erythopoietin throughout the study. Results: See Figure 1. Conclusions: Correction of anemia may be an important addition to the treatment of CHF. Intravenous iron is a simple therapy that increases Hb, reduces symptoms and improves EF in anemic patients with CHF.