Investigating the potential benefits of ferric carboxymaltose supplementation in patients with heart failure
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on October 2nd, 2023
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Prior reports had indicated a link between heart failure and iron deficiency, which can worsen patient prognosis. Consequently, efforts have been made to comprehend the underlying mechanism of this connection. Nevertheless, there exists limited agreement on the practical advantages of administering iron supplements. Hence, a study was undertaken to shed more light on the impact of ferric carboxymaltose supplementation on the well-being of individuals with heart failure.
The randomized controlled trial included 3065 individuals who had been previously hospitalized for heart failure within the last 12 months and had a current left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less, all of whom exhibited iron deficiency with ferritin levels below 100 ng per milliliter of blood. Participants were randomly allocated to receive intravenous injections of either a placebo or ferric carboxymaltose. The dosage was determined based on the recipient's weight, with an initial regimen of two doses administered seven days apart, followed by treatments every six months. After a median follow-up period of 1.9 years, the study's findings revealed that ferric carboxymaltose did not lead to a significant reduction in the risk of death or hospitalization related to cardiovascular causes, nor did it enhance the patients' physical endurance. The author noted that the absence of a clinical effect from iron supplementation in this study could be attributed to the relatively healthier participants included, as compared to previous studies that had demonstrated a positive association between ferric carboxymaltose and improved clinical outcomes.
The randomized controlled trial included 3065 individuals who had been previously hospitalized for heart failure within the last 12 months and had a current left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less, all of whom exhibited iron deficiency with ferritin levels below 100 ng per milliliter of blood. Participants were randomly allocated to receive intravenous injections of either a placebo or ferric carboxymaltose. The dosage was determined based on the recipient's weight, with an initial regimen of two doses administered seven days apart, followed by treatments every six months. After a median follow-up period of 1.9 years, the study's findings revealed that ferric carboxymaltose did not lead to a significant reduction in the risk of death or hospitalization related to cardiovascular causes, nor did it enhance the patients' physical endurance. The author noted that the absence of a clinical effect from iron supplementation in this study could be attributed to the relatively healthier participants included, as compared to previous studies that had demonstrated a positive association between ferric carboxymaltose and improved clinical outcomes.