Anemia in heart failure: evidence from a three-year cross-sectional study in Sudan

Maram M Elamin1, Rayan Hafiz Mohamed1, Mohamed Alzaki Ahmed1

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan.

Insights

Nearly half of heart failure (HF) patients in Sudan are anemic, especially older individuals and those with HFmrEF. Anemia management in these patients was suboptimal, highlighting the need for routine screening and standardized care protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Anemia is a common complication of heart failure (HF), worsening cardiac function and prognosis.
  • The prevalence, characteristics, and treatment of anemia in Sudanese HF patients are not well-documented.
  • This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding anemia burden in this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of anemia among heart failure patients in Sudan.
  • To describe the current management patterns of anemia in Sudanese HF patients.
  • To identify patient subgroups with higher anemia prevalence within the HF population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Wad Medani Heart Center, Sudan.
  • Adult HF patients admitted over three years were included.
  • Baseline hemoglobin levels within 24-48 hours of admission were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Out of 557 HF patients, 47.8% were anemic (mean Hb 10.68 g/dL).
  • Anemia was most prevalent in HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) (50.4%).
  • Only 29% of anemic HF patients received anemia management, with iron supplementation and blood transfusions being the primary treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Nearly half of Sudanese HF patients suffer from anemia, particularly older individuals and those with HFmrEF.
  • Anemia management in this cohort was suboptimal, with low rates of treatment initiation.
  • Routine anemia screening and standardized management protocols are crucial for improving HF patient outcomes.
Abstract

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