Improvement of functional status and quality of life in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and iron deficiency after using iron carboxymaltose

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The presence of ID worsens the course of CHF, decreases the tolerance to physical activity, and reduces patients’ quality of life. The efficacy of intravenous iron supplementation has been demonstrated in patients with reduce ejection fractions. However, its effects on patients with preserved ejection fractions (HFpEF) and ID are not well-known. 
Aim. To assess the dynamics of functional status and quality of life among patients with HFpEF and ID receiving ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) therapy. 
Material and methods. Fortyfive patients with HFpEF and ID were included. The median age of the patients was 67 years [65, 73]; 68.9% were women (n = 31). Iron correction using FCM was performed in 18 patients (Group 1); patients without FCM formed a control group (Group 2, n = 27). Baseline and 6-month indicators included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life assessed by Minnesota Heart Failure Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MHFLQ). 
Results. The groups were comparable in terms of sex (p = 0.901) and age (p = 0.161). Initial parameters of iron metabolism did not differ significantly between the groups. Initial 6MWT values were 318 m [284.5; 367.3] in Group 1 and 350 m [305; 403] in Group 2 (p = 0.313). MHFLQ scores did not differ, with Group 1 scoring 33.5 points [22.8; 39.8] and Group 2 scoring 36 points [25; 42] (p = 0.728). After 6 months, 6MWT in Group 1 increased to 344 m [316.5; 363.5] (p = 0.011). Quality of life scores for MHFLQ in Group 1 declined to 28 points [9.8; 35] (p = 0.009). 
Conclusion. Treatment with FCM in patients with HFpEF and ID was associated with improvements in functional status and quality of life parameters at 6-month follow-up.

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