Beneficial effects of long-term intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose in patients with symptomatic heart failure and iron deficiency.

The authors studied the benefits and safety of long-term intravenous iron therapy in patients with heart failure who were iron deficient. Primary endpoints were symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. Treatment was with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) (dose range 500 to 2000 mg) over 6 weeks versus placebo, and thereafter with maintenance FCM dosing of 500 mg at weeks 12, 24, and 36, if necessary, for treatment of iron deficiency.

The authors found that FCM treatment resulted in sustainable improvements in each of the primary endpoints and may also be associated with risk reduction of hospitalisation for worsening heart failure.

– Lawrence Tim Goodnough

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