Assessing Iron Status in Chronic Heart Failure Patients by Using Serum Ferritin and Transferrin Saturation Levels: A

Uchenna M Amaechi1, Henry O Aiwuyo2, Chukwudum Ewelukwa3

  • 1Internal Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, NGA.

Cureus
|June 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency affects about one-third of chronic heart failure patients, impacting outcomes. Early identification and treatment of iron deficiency in heart failure can improve patient results.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Chronic heart failure (HF) is a global health concern linked to high morbidity and mortality.
  • Iron deficiency (ID) is a frequent comorbidity in chronic HF, potentially worsening outcomes.
  • ID is the most common nutritional deficiency observed in chronic HF patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the iron status in Nigerian patients with chronic heart failure.
  • To analyze the prevalence of iron deficiency using serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TSAT).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed.
  • 88 Nigerian patients diagnosed with chronic HF were recruited.
  • Laboratory findings, including SF and TSAT, were used for evaluation.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency was identified in 34% of the chronic HF patients studied.
  • Absolute iron deficiency was present in 17% of patients.
  • Functional iron deficiency was observed in another 17% of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Approximately one-third of chronic heart failure patients exhibit iron deficiency.
  • Iron deficiency prevalence and severity correlate with advanced heart failure functional classes.

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