Related Experiment Videos
Ferastral in the treatment of patients with inflammatory anaemia
Abstract:
An investigation has been performed with a new parenteral iron preparation, iron-poly-(sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex (Ferastral) in the treatment with iron deficiency anaemia associated with inflammatory diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen moderately anaemic patients entered into the trial. These patients constituted a special group in whom the MCHCs were subnormal. Observations were made concerning the occurrence of side-effects. Particular attention was paid to those-side-effects which are known to be associated with the use of parenteral iron preparations in the treatment of rheumatoid subjects. Ferastral was administered by intramuscular by intramuscular injection. The single doses given on any one occasion varied from a minimum of 100 mg to a maximum of 500 mg, divided into two separate injections. The results of therapy, measured at eight weeks, showed significant increases in haemoglobin concentrations. Increases in erythrocyte count, MCHC and serum-iron concentration were also found. There were no signs of acute toxic effects with Ferastral and in no patient was there exacerbation of arthritis as has been previously reported with iron-dextran.
Insights
Ferastral, a novel parenteral iron preparation, effectively treats iron deficiency anemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study found significant improvements in hemoglobin and iron levels with no adverse effects on arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is common in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Parenteral iron preparations are used, but some have associated side effects, especially in rheumatoid subjects.
- Subnormal MCHCs were noted in the target patient group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of a new parenteral iron preparation, iron-poly-(sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex (Ferastral).
- To assess Ferastral's use in treating iron deficiency anemia associated with inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
- To monitor for specific side effects known in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving parenteral iron.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving fifteen moderately anemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ferastral administered intramuscularly, with single doses ranging from 100 mg to 500 mg (divided).
- Observations focused on side effects, especially those relevant to rheumatoid subjects, and therapeutic outcomes at eight weeks.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in hemoglobin concentrations were observed after eight weeks of therapy.
- Erythrocyte count, MCHC, and serum-iron concentration also showed notable increases.
- No acute toxic effects were recorded, and importantly, no exacerbation of arthritis occurred.
Conclusions:
- Ferastral is an effective parenteral iron preparation for treating iron deficiency anemia in patients with inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- The new complex demonstrated a favorable safety profile, without exacerbating arthritis, unlike previous parenteral iron preparations.
- Ferastral offers a promising alternative for managing anemia in this specific patient population.