Role Of Intravenous Iron Over Nonsurgical Transfusions In Major Burns

Area of Science:

• Burn Care
• Hematology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Anemia is common in burn patients due to blood loss and inflammation.
• Blood transfusions in burn patients can increase infection risk and reduce survival.
• The efficacy of parenteral iron in reducing post-surgical transfusions in burn patients is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if intravenous iron administration reduces the need for blood transfusions in burn patients after the surgical phase.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in managing post-surgical anemia in burn patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 12 burn patients with progressive anemia and iron deficiency post-surgery received intravenous ferric carboxymaltose.
• These patients were compared to 18 matched historical controls (n=1375).
• Matching criteria included age, sex, and total body surface area (TBSA) burn.

Main Results:

• None of the patients treated with intravenous iron required blood transfusions.
• In contrast, 44% of the control group received transfusions.
• No adverse side effects were observed with intravenous iron infusion.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous iron supplementation with ferric carboxymaltose appears to be a safe and effective strategy to prevent blood transfusions in anemic burn patients after the surgical phase.
• Assessing and treating iron deficiency with intravenous iron is recommended for burn patients with progressive anemia.
• This approach may offer an alternative to transfusions, potentially improving outcomes in this patient population.