Terapevt Arkh
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Iron deficiency is frequent in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with a prevalence of 50%, and its frequency varies depending on the study groups. The presence of iron deficiency limits erythropoiesis, leading to the development of anemia over time in patients with CHF, regardless of gender, race, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Observational studies demonstrate a higher prevalence of iron deficiency in women and in patients with higher NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class, decreased LVEF, increased brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), or increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. ⋯ At the same time the use of intravenous iron therapy is safe and improves symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency, which has been shown both in international placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses. The use of iron carboxymaltose should improve CHF symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with CHF and LVEF45%. Intravenous iron therapy has also been shown to reduce readmissions for CHF in patients with an LVEF50% who have recently been hospitalized for worsening CHF.