Publication:

Impact of oral iron therapy on quality of life in patients with heart failure

Background To assess the effect of oral iron supplementation on quality of life (QOL) in anemic patients with heart failure (HF) and to compare QOL with HF patients without iron treatment.

Methods Sixty anemic patients (Hb 8-11g/dl) with HF (NYHA-class II and III) with LVEF<40% were divided in to 2 groups of 30 each. Group I- received ferrous sulfate 100mg bid x 90 days + standard treatment for HF. Group II- anemic patients received standard treatment for HF only. Primary end point- QOL was measured by MLWHF questionnaire. Secondary end points are Borg scale for dyspnoea and fatigue and exercise tolerance/ capacity in the form of 6 min. walk distance, haematological parameters, efficacy and safety assessment.

Results There was significant improvement in QOL in iron treated patients as compared to group II (control). Exercise tolerance /capacity, Borg scale for fatigue and dyspnoea showed improvement in patients received iron for 90 days. Haematological parameters were improved gradually with less incidence of fatigue and pallor. Orally administered ferrous sulfate was well tolerated with mild side effects.

Conclusions Oral iron supplementation in anemic patients with heart failure improves quality of life/ physical functioning in these patients.