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Iron therapy and cardiovascular disease
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA. jlsullivan@pol.net
Kidney International. Supplement
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Intensive iron therapy for renal anemia is common, but excess iron may pose risks for cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Careful iron management is crucial for kidney patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for renal anemia often involves intensive iron supplementation.
- Emerging evidence links iron to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections.
- The safety of stored iron is increasingly questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and current evidence of the
- iron hypothesis
- concerning ischemic heart disease.
- To discuss current iron management practices for patients with renal anemia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the
- iron hypothesis
- and its implications.
- Analysis of current clinical practices in iron management for renal anemia.
Main Results:
- The
- iron hypothesis
- suggests a link between iron and ischemic heart disease.
- Current iron management for renal anemia requires re-evaluation in light of potential risks.
Conclusions:
- Assumption of iron safety until proven otherwise is no longer appropriate.
- Revised iron management strategies are needed for renal patients undergoing EPO therapy.