Ferric Carboxymaltose in Patients with Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency
Anker SD
Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Methodology
Multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in NYHA II-III heart failure with ferritin-defined iron deficiency, with self-reported Patient Global Assessment and NYHA class as primary endpoints at 24 weeks.
Key Findings
In FAIR-HF, 459 patients with chronic heart failure and iron deficiency (with or without anaemia) received intravenous ferric carboxymaltose or placebo for 24 weeks; 50% of treated patients reported much or moderately improved global assessment versus 28% on placebo, with better NYHA class, 6-minute walk distance and quality of life, and similar adverse event rates.
Conclusions
Correcting iron deficiency intravenously improves symptoms, functional capacity and quality of life in heart failure regardless of anaemia, establishing iron status as a treatment target in this population.
Limitations
24-week trial not powered for mortality or hospitalisation outcomes, primarily patients with reduced ejection fraction, blinding challenging with visible iron infusions, and industry sponsorship by the drug manufacturer.
Supplements Studied
Treatment with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in patients with chronic heart failure and iron deficiency, with or without anemia, improves symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Industry-sponsored (Vifor Pharma)
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