Etiology of anemia in patients with advanced heart failure

Strategies for the Management of Cardiorenal Syndrome in the Acute Hospital Setting

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a life-threatening disorder that involves a complex interplay between the two organs. Managing this multifaceted syndrome is challenging in the hospital and requires a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the many manifestations and complications. There is no universally accepted algorithm to treat patients, and therapeutic options vary from one patient to another. The mainstays of therapy involve the stabilization of hemodynamics, decongestion using diuretics or renal replacement therapy, improvement of cardiac output with inotropes, and goal-directed medical treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other medications. Mechanical circulatory support is another viable option in the armamentarium of agents that improve symptoms in select patients.

Verification of haemoglobin level to prevent worsening of prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients from the PURSUIT-HFpEF registry

AIMS

Anaemia has been reported as poor predictor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes in haemoglobin (Hb) from discharge to 1 year after discharge on the prognosis using a lower cut-off value of Hb than the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, 547 HFpEF cases were divided into two groups, Hb < 11.0 g/dL (n = 218) and Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (n = 329), according to Hb at discharge, and further were divided according to Hb 1 year after discharge into Hb < 11.0 g/dL (G1, n = 113), Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (G2, n = 105), Hb < 11.0 g/dL (G3, n = 66), and Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL (G4, n = 263), respectively. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was defined as composite of all-cause death and heart failure readmission after a visit 1 year after discharge. The cut-off value of Hb was analysed by the receiver operating characteristics curve that predicts MACE. We examined the incidence rate of MACE between G4 and other subgroups and verified predictors of improving or worsening anaemia and covarying factors with change in Hb. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, MACE was significantly higher in G3 with worsening anaemia from Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dL to <11.0 g/dL than G4 with persistently Hb ≥ 11 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 3.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.76-5.60], P < 0.001). MACE was not significantly different between G2 with improving anaemia from Hb < 11.0 g/dL to ≥ 11.0 g/dL and G4 (adjusted HR: 1.37 [95% CI, 0.68-2.75], P = 0.38). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of improving anaemia were male [odds ratio (OR): 0.45], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 10.3), prior heart failure hospitalization (OR: 0.38), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 1.04). Independent predictors of worsening anaemia were age (OR: 1.07), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.86), clinical frailty scale score (OR: 1.29), Hb at discharge (OR: 0.63), and use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (OR: 2.76). In multivariate linear regression analysis, covarying factors with change in Hb were BMI (β = -0.098), serum albumin (β = 0.411), and total cholesterol (β = 0.179).

CONCLUSIONS

Change in haemoglobin after discharge using a lower cut-off value than WHO criteria has prognostic impact in patients with HFpEF.

Intravenous Iron Repletion for Patients With Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Iron deficiency and heart failure frequently co-occur, sparking clinical research into the role of iron repletion in this condition over the last 20 years. Although early nonrandomized studies and subsequent moderate-sized randomized controlled trials showed an improvement in symptoms and functional metrics with the use of intravenous iron, 3 recent larger trials powered to detect a difference in hard cardiovascular outcomes failed to meet their primary endpoints. Additionally, there are potential concerns related to side effects from intravenous iron, both in the short and long term. This review discusses the basics of iron biology and regulation, the diagnostic criteria for iron deficiency and the clinical evidence for intravenous iron in heart failure, safety concerns, and alternative therapies. We also make practical suggestions for the management of patients with iron deficiency and heart failure and outline key areas in need of future research.

Critical re-evaluation of the identification of iron deficiency states and effective iron repletion strategies in patients with chronic heart failure

According to current guidelines, iron deficiency is defined by a serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml or a transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% if the serum ferritin level is 100-299 μg/L. These criteria were developed to encourage the use of intravenous iron as an adjunct to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of renal anaemia. However, in patients with heart failure, these criteria are not supported by any pathophysiological or clinical evidence that they identify an absolute or functional iron deficiency state. A low baseline TSAT-but not serum ferritin level-appears to be a reliable indicator of the effect of intravenous iron to reduce major heart failure events. In randomized controlled trials, intravenous iron decreased the risk of cardiovascular death or total heart failure hospitalization in patients with a TSAT <20% (risk ratio 0.67 [0.49-0.92]) but not in patients with a TSAT ≥20% (risk ratio 0.99 [0.74-1.30]), with the magnitude of the risk reduction being proportional to the severity of hypoferraemia. Patients who were enrolled in clinical trials solely because they had a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L showed no significant benefit on heart failure outcomes, and it is noteworthy that serum ferritin levels of 20-300 μg/L lie entirely within the range of normal values for healthy adults. Current guidelines reflect the eligibility criteria of clinical trials, which inadvertently adopted unvalidated criteria to define iron deficiency. Reliance on these guidelines would lead to the treatment of many patients who are not iron deficient (serum ferritin level <100 μg/L but normal TSAT) and ignores the possibility of iron deficiency in patients with a low TSAT but with serum ferritin level of >300 μg/L. Importantly, analyses of benefit based on trial eligibility-driven guidelines substantially underestimate the magnitude of heart-failure-event risk reduction with intravenous iron in patients who are truly iron deficient. Based on all available data, we recommend a new mechanism-based and trial-tested approach that reflects the totality of evidence more faithfully than the historical process adopted by clinical investigators and by the guidelines. Until additional evidence is forthcoming, an iron deficiency state in patients with heart failure should be defined by a TSAT <20% (as long as the serum ferritin level is <400 μg/L), and furthermore, the use of a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L alone as a diagnostic criterion should be discarded.

Outcomes and complications of heart failure with iron deficiency anemia: a nationwide analysis

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is a pressing public health concern, affecting millions in the United States and projected to rise significantly by 2030. Iron deficiency, prevalent in nearly half of ambulatory heart failure patients, contributes to anemia and diminishes patient outcomes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of iron deficiency anemia on acute heart failure hospitalizations outcomes.

METHODS

Utilizing the 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a retrospective observational study assessed 112,864 adult patients hospitalized with heart failure and 7,865 cases also had a concomitant diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

RESULTS

Among 112,864 heart failure hospitalizations in 2019, approximately 7% had concomitant iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Heart failure patients with IDA exhibited distinct demographic characteristics, with females comprising 51.1% (p < 0.01) and higher rates of complicated hypertension (p < 0.01), complicated diabetes (p < 0.01), and peripheral vascular disease (p < 0.01). Adjusted mean LOS for patients with IDA was significantly longer at 1.31 days (95% CI 0.71-1.47; p < 0.01), persisting in both HFpEF and HFrEF subgroups. While total hospital charges were comparable in HFpEF, HFrEF patients with IDA incurred significantly higher charges ($13427.32, 95% CI: 1463.35-$25391.29, p = 0.03) than those without IDA. Complications such as atrial fibrillation and acute kidney injury were notably more prevalent in HFpEF and HFrEF patients with IDA.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted that iron deficiency in heart failure patients leads to extended hospital stays, increased costs, and heightened risks of specific complications, particularly in HFrEF. Our study emphasized the implications of IDA in patients with heart failure ranging from prolonged hospitalizations and increased costs. Addressing iron deficiency is crucial, given its substantial impact on heart failure hospitalizations and outcomes, emphasizing the need for proactive diagnosis and management.

Benefits of intravenous iron supplementation in heart failure

Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most frequent comorbidities in patients with heart failure (HF) and is estimated to be present in up to 80% of acute patients regardless of their ejection fraction. Randomized controlled trials have shown that supplementary intravenous iron results in improved clinical outcomes; however, the current understanding of the effects of intravenous iron on morbidity and mortality remains limited. Study and results: The meta-analysis pooled individual participant data from three randomized placebo-controlled trials of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in adult patients (n = 4,501) with heart failure and iron deficiency (CONFIRM-HF, AFFIRM-AHF, and HEART-FID). FCM therapy significantly reduced the co-primary composite endpoint of total cardiovascular hospitalizations and cardiovascular death, with a rate ratio (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.98; p = 0.029). FCM therapy was associated with a 17% relative rate reduction in total cardiovascular hospitalizations (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.96; p = 0.009) and a 16% relative rate reduction in total heart failure hospitalizations (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.98; p = 0.025). Lessons learned: The meta-analysis shows that in iron-deficient patients with heart failure and reduced or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is associated with a reduced risk of total cardiovascular hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality. These findings indicate that intravenous FCM should be considered in iron-deficient patients with heart failure and reduced or mildly reduced ejection fractions.

Iron deficiency and anemia in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy are associated with clinical, biochemical, and hematological markers of severe disease and adverse outcomes

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence regarding the prevalence and impact of iron deficiency (ID) in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

METHODS

Retrospective single-center review of all children between 2010 and 2020 with a diagnosis of DCM and complete iron studies. ID was defined as ≥2 of ferritin <20 μg/liter, iron <9 μmol/liter, transferrin >3 g/liter, or transferrin saturation (TSat) <15%. Clinical and laboratory indices and freedom from a composite adverse event (CAE) of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), heart transplant, or death were compared between children with and without ID.

RESULTS

Of 138 patients with DCM, 47 had available iron studies. Twenty-nine (62%) were iron deficient. Children with ID were more likely to be receiving inotropes (17, 59%, p = 0.005) or invasive/noninvasive ventilation (13, 45%, p = 0.016) than those who were iron replete. They had a higher incidence of anemia (22, 76%, p = 0.004) and higher NT-proBNP (1,590 pmol/liter, IQR 456-3,447, p = 0.001). Children with ID had significantly less freedom from the CAE at 1-year (54% ± 10%), 2-years (45 ± 10), and 5-years (37% ± 11%) than those without (p = 0.011). ID and anemia were the only significant predictors of the CAE on univariate Cox regression.

CONCLUSIONS

ID is highly prevalent in children with DCM. Iron studies are undermeasured in clinical practice, but ID is associated with severe heart failure (HF) and an increased risk of the CAE. The need for iron replacement therapy should be considered in children who present in HF with DCM.

The effect of the four pharmacological pillars of heart failure on haemoglobin level

Anaemia, a condition characterized by low levels of haemoglobin, is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF). Guideline-directed medical therapy improves HF outcomes by using medications like beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers, along with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. In this study, we aimed to review the pathophysiology of anaemia in patients with HF and present the current evidence regarding the relationship between the main recommended medications for these patients and haemoglobin levels. The authors conducted a comprehensive search in the medical literature for relevant original clinical articles in which the four pharmacological pillars of HF were given to the patients; we, then, assessed whether the association of use of these medications and haemoglobin level or development of anaemia was provided. These common medications have been shown in the literature that may exacerbate or ameliorate anaemia. Besides, it has been shown that even in the case that they result in the development of anaemia, their use is associated with positive effects that outweigh this potential harm. The literature also suggests that among patients receiving medications with negative effects on the level of haemoglobin, there was no difference in the rate of mortality between anaemic and non-anaemic patients when both were on treatment for anaemia; this point highlights the importance of the detection and treatment of anaemia in these patients. Further research is needed to explore these relationships and identify additional strategies to mitigate the risk of anaemia in this population.

Computational evaluation of heart failure and continuous flow left ventricular assist device support in anaemia

Anaemia is common in end-stage heart failure patients supported with continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) and is associated with adverse outcomes such as heart failure readmission. This study evaluates the haemodynamic effects of anaemia on cardiac function and cerebral blood flow in heart failure patients supported with CF-LVAD using computational simulations. A dynamic model simulating cardiac function, systemic, pulmonary and cerebral circulations, cerebral flow autoregulatory mechanisms and gas contents in blood was used to evaluate the effects of anaemia and iron deficiency in heart failure and during CF-LVAD support. CF-LVAD therapy was simulated by a model describing HeartMate 3. Anaemia and iron deficiency were simulated by reducing the haemoglobin level from 15 to 9 g/dL and modifying scaling coefficients in the models simulating heart chamber volumes. Reduced haemoglobin levels decreased the arterial O2 content, which increased cerebral blood flow rate by more than 50% in heart failure and during CF-LVAD assistance. Reduced haemoglobin levels simulating anaemia had minimal effect on the arterial and atrial blood pressures and ventricular volumes. In contrast, iron deficiency increased end-diastolic left and right ventricular diameters in heart failure from 6.6 cm to 7 cm and 2.9 cm to 3.1 cm and during CF-LVAD support from 6.1 to 6.4 cm and 3.1 to 3.3 cm. The developed numerical model simulates the effects of anaemia in failing heart and during CF-LVAD therapy. It is in good agreement with clinical data and can be utilised to assess CF-LVAD therapy.

Intravenous Iron for Heart Failure: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

While the administration of intravenous (IV) iron to those with heart failure has been implicated to be associated with a possible reduction in hospitalizations and improvement in symptoms, a recent large multicenter trial only showed modest benefits in reducing hospitalization, necessitating the updated systematic review. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE database until January 9, 2023. Outcomes included total heart failure hospitalizations, first heart failure hospitalization, six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, and incidence of infection. There were 13 studies with 3410 participants (1,790 with IV iron). Pooled analysis that reported the incidence of cardiovascular death showed that patients with IV iron did not have significantly lower odds of cardiovascular death or first heart failure hospitalization. In contrast, those who received IV iron had significantly lower total heart failure hospitalization (pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.90, I2 59.0%, P = .017) and a composite of cardiovascular death and first heart failure hospitalization (pooled OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.47-0.64, I2 0%, P = .656). While the efficacy is modest, IV iron therapy could be associated with reduced hospitalization for heart failure without significant adverse events.

Uncovering the dynamics of cellular responses induced by iron-carbohydrate complexes in human macrophages using quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics

Iron-carbohydrate complexes are widely used to treat iron deficiencies. Macrophages play a crucial role in the uptake and fate of these nanomedicines, however, how complexed iron carbohydrates are taken up and metabolized by macrophages is still not fully understood. Using a (phospho-)proteomics approach, we assessed differences in protein expression and phosphorylation in M2 macrophages triggered by iron sucrose (IS). Our results show that IS alters the expression of multiple receptors, indicative of a complex entry mechanism. Besides, IS induced an increase in intracellular ferritin, the loss of M2 polarization, protective mechanisms against ferroptosis, and an autophagic response. These data indicate that macrophages can use IS as a source of iron for its storage and later release, however, the excess of iron can cause oxidative stress, which can be successfully regulated by the cells. When comparing IS with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and iron isomaltoside-1000 (IIM), complexes with a higher carbohydrate ligand stability, we observed that FCM and IIM are metabolized at a slower rate, and trigger M2 polarization loss to a lower extent. These results indicate that the surface characteristics of the iron-carbohydrate complexes may influence the cell responses. Our data show that the application of (phospho-)proteomics can lead to a better understanding of metabolic processes, including the uptake, biodegradation and bioavailability of nanomedicines.

1821-2021: Contributions of physicians and researchers of Greek descent in the advancement of clinical and experimental cardiology and cardiac surgery

While the role of Greeks in the development of early western medicine is well-known and appreciated, the contributions of modern Greek medical practitioners are less known and often overlooked. On the occasion of the 200-year anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, this review article sheds light onto the achievements of modern scientists of Greek descent in the development of cardiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiovascular research, through a short history of the development of these fields and of the related institutions in Greece. In the last decades, the Greek cardiology and Cardiac Surgery communities have been active inside and outside Greece and have a remarkable presence internationally, particularly in the United States. This article highlights the ways in which Greek cardiology and cardiovascular research has been enriched by absorbing knowledge produced in international medical centers, academic institutes and pharmaceutical industries in which generations of Greek doctors and researchers trained prior to their return to the homeland; it also highlights the achievements of medical practitioners and researchers of Greek descent who excelled abroad, producing ground-breaking work that has left a permanent imprint on global medicine.

[Iron deficiency in cardiac surgery patients and the possibility of its correction at the preoperative stage]

Among cardio-surgical patients, the prevalence of iron deficiency conditions reaches 70 %, and anemia is detected in less than 50% cases. Meanwhile, both anemia and latent iron deficiency are risk factors for adverse outcomes in cardio-surgical patients. These conditions are associated with a high frequency and greater volume of blood transfusions as well as with a longer stay in the hospital. Timely diagnosis and correction of iron deficiency, regardless of the presence of anemia, are mandatory at the stage of preoperative preparation. The use of oral iron medicines is limited by their low efficacy in this category of patients and a high risk of adverse events. Intravenous iron medicines have a high potential for correcting iron deficiency, and their efficacy and safety have been previously demonstrated. Administration of ferric carboxymaltose has proved beneficial in studies on iron deficiency correction in cardiological and cardio-surgical patients. In these patients, ferric carboxymaltose improved the dynamics of ferritin and hemoglobin, reduced the risk of blood transfusion, and decreased the duration of stay in the hospital. Preoperative intravenous administration of ferric carboxymaltose to cardio-surgical patients can improve clinical outcomes and the cost effectiveness of cardiac surgery.

Treating Iron Deficiency (ID) Anemia in Heart Failure (HF) Patients with IV Iron: A Meta-Analysis

Findings on the effects of iron on heart failure (HF) hospitalizations and mortality among patients with iron deficiency (ID) and HF remain conflicting across different studies. We performed a meta-analysis of clinical trials assessing the clinical, hematic and cardiovascular benefits of treating ID in HF patients. We completed a systematic search for studies comparing IV iron to placebo in HF patients with ID. The primary outcomes were rates of HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included change in hematic values, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and ejection fraction. We applied a random-effects model with planned sensitivity analyses of studies with skewed effect sizes. Nine studies were included with a total of 2,261 patients. Analysis revealed that treatment of HF patients with IV iron replacement significantly reduced the odds of HF hospitalization (odds ratio (OR): 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24 to 0.78; p=0.005, I2=67%),) but did not significantly impact all-cause mortality compared to placebo (OR: 0.89; 95%, CI: 0.67 to 1.19; p=0.44, I2: 0%). Analysis showed that IV iron treatment group had significantly higher serum ferritin, transferrin saturation and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. They also had lower NYHA class -1.90 (95% CI (-2.91 to -0.89); p<0.001, I2:89%) with higher ejection fraction 0.50 (95% CI (0.09 to 0.90) p=0.016, I2:86%). Treatment with IV iron in HF patients with ID is associated with a significant reduction of HF hospitalization but no effects on all-cause mortality. There were also significant increases in hematic values and ejection fraction with a reduction in NYHA class.

Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is commonly associated with iron deficiency (ID), defined as insufficient levels of iron to meet physiological demands. ID's association with anaemia is well understood but it is increasingly recognised as an important comorbidity in HF, even in the absence of anaemia. This review summarises contemporary evidence for the measurement and treatment of ID, in both HFrEF and HFpEF, and specific HF aetiologies, and highlights important gaps in the evidence-base.

RECENT FINDINGS

ID is common among patients with HF and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Correcting ID in patients with HF can impact upon functional status, exercise tolerance, symptoms, and overall quality of life, irrespective of anaemia status. ID is a modifiable comorbidity in HF. Therefore, recognising and treating ID has emerging therapeutic potential and is important for all clinicians who care for patients with HF to understand the rationale and approach to treatment.

Association Between Hemoglobin Levels and Efficacy of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose in Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency: An AFFIRM-AHF Subgroup Analysis

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is an adverse prognostic factor in heart failure (HF). In AFFIRM-AHF (a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial comparing the effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on hospitalizations and mortality in iron-deficient subjects admitted for acute heart failure), intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), although having no significant effect on the primary end point, reduced the risk of HF hospitalization (hHF) and improved quality of life versus placebo in iron-deficient patients stabilized after an acute HF (AHF) episode. These prespecified AFFIRM-AHF subanalyses explored the association between hemoglobin levels and FCM treatment effects.

METHODS

AFFIRM-AHF was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of FCM in hospitalized AHF patients with iron deficiency. Patients were stratified by baseline hemoglobin level (<12 versus ≥12 g/dL). In each subgroup, the primary composite (total hHF and cardiovascular death) and secondary (total hHF; total cardiovascular hospitalizations and cardiovascular death; time to cardiovascular death, and time to first/days lost due to hHF or cardiovascular death) outcomes were assessed with FCM versus placebo at week 52. Sensitivity analyses using the World Health Organization anemia definition (hemoglobin level <12 g/dL [women] or <13 g/dL [men]) were performed, among others.

RESULTS

Of 1108 AFFIRM-AHF patients, 1107 were included in these subanalyses: 464 (FCM group, 228; placebo group, 236) had a hemoglobin level <12 g/dL, and 643 (FCM, 329; placebo, 314) had a hemoglobin level ≥12 g/dL. Patients with a hemoglobin level <12 g/dL were older (mean, 73.7 versus 69.1 years), with more frequent previous HF (75.0% versus 68.7%), serum ferritin <100 μg/L (75.4% versus 68.1%), and transferrin saturation <20% (87.9% versus 81.4%). For the primary outcome, annualized event rates per 100 patient-years with FCM versus placebo were 71.1 and 73.6 (rate ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.66-1.41]), respectively, and 48.5 versus 72.9 (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48-0.93]) in the hemoglobin levels <12 and ≥12 g/dL subgroups, respectively. No significant interactions between hemoglobin subgroup and treatment effect were observed for primary (Pinteraction=0.15) or secondary outcomes. Changes from baseline in hemoglobin, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were significantly greater with FCM versus placebo in both subgroups between weeks 6 and 52. Findings were similar using the World Health Organization definition for anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of intravenous FCM on outcomes in iron-deficient patients stabilized after an AHF episode, including improvements in iron parameters over time, did not differ between patients with hemoglobin levels <12 and ≥12 g/dL.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT02937454.

Is the Benefit of Treating Iron Deficiency Greater in Acute Heart Failure with Renal Dysfunction?

BACKGROUND

This study aims to analyse whether in acute heart failure (AHF) with iron deficiency (ID), the administration of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) produces a greater benefit in renal dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 812 consecutive patients admitted for AHF and ID were studied. Untreated (n:272) and treated (n:540) patients were compared. The six-month prevalence of a combined event (readmission for HF, all-cause death, and emergency department visit for decompensation) was analysed. Three grades of renal dysfunction (KDIGO) were compared, Group 1 (grades 1 and 2), Group 2 (grades 3a and 3b), and Group 3 (grades 4 and 5).

RESULTS

There were differences in sex distribution (untreated group: males 39.7% vs. treated group: males 51.9%; p < 0.001). Sex-adjusted combined event analysis showed a greater benefit in Group 1 (OR: 0.31, 95% CI:0.19-0.5; p < 0.001) and Group 2 (OR: 0.23, 95% CI:0.14-0.38; p < 0.001), but not in Group 3 (OR: 0.51, 95% CI:0.17-0.55; p: 0.237).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of FCM in patients with AHF and ID reduces the combined event analysed. The benefit is greater when renal dysfunction is present, except in very advanced degrees where no significant benefit is obtained.

Inflammation, dysregulated iron metabolism, and cardiovascular disease

Iron is an essential trace element associated with both pathologic deficiency and toxic overload. Thus, systemic and cell iron metabolism are highly controlled processes regulated by protein expression and localization, as well as turnover, through the action of cytokines and iron status. Iron metabolism in the heart is challenging because both iron overload and deficiency are associated with cardiac disease. Also associated with cardiovascular disease is inflammation, as many cardiac diseases are caused by or include an inflammatory component. In addition, iron metabolism and inflammation are closely linked. Hepcidin, the master regulator of systemic iron metabolism, is induced by the cytokine IL-6 and as such is among the acute phase proteins secreted by the liver as part of the inflammatory response. In an inflammatory state, systemic iron homeostasis is dysregulated, commonly resulting in hypoferremia, or low serum iron. Less well characterized is cardiac iron metabolism in general, and even less is known about how inflammation impacts heart iron handling. This review highlights what is known with respect to iron metabolism in the heart. Expression of iron metabolism-related proteins and processes of iron uptake and efflux in these cell types are outlined. Evidence for the strong co-morbid relationship between inflammation and cardiac disease is also reviewed. Known connections between inflammatory processes and iron metabolism in the heart are discussed with the goal of linking inflammation and iron metabolism in this tissue, a connection that has been relatively under-appreciated as a component of heart function in an inflammatory state. Therapeutic options connecting inflammation and iron balance are emphasized, with the main goal of this review being to bring attention to alterations in iron balance as a component of inflammatory diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Potential Interactions When Prescribing SGLT2 Inhibitors and Intravenous Iron in Combination in Heart Failure

In patients with heart failure, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to decrease hepcidin and ferritin and increase transferrin receptor protein, changes that are typically indicative of worsening absolute iron deficiency, as would be seen with poor dietary intake or gastrointestinal bleeding, neither of which is provoked by SGLT2 inhibitors. Therefore, 2 alternative conceptual frameworks may explain the observed pattern of changes in iron homeostasis proteins. According to the "cytosolic iron depletion hypothesis," the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors to decrease hepcidin and ferritin and increase transferrin receptor is related to a decline in cytosolic Fe²⁺ that occurs after drug-induced erythropoietin-related increase in iron use. Erythropoietin-mimetics (eg, darbepoietin) elicit this type of iron-deficiency pattern of response, and it is typically accompanied by erythropoietin resistance that is alleviated by intravenous iron supplementation. In contrast, according to the "cytosolic iron repletion hypothesis," the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors to decrease hepcidin and ferritin and increase transferrin receptor represents a direct action of these drugs: 1) to reverse inflammation-related increases in hepcidin and ferritin, and, thus, alleviate functional blocks on iron utilization; and 2) to increase in sirtuin-1 signaling, which suppresses hepcidin, accelerates the degradation of ferritin, and up-regulates transferrin receptor protein. Through either or both mechanisms, direct suppression of hepcidin and ferritin would be expected to increase cytosolic Fe²⁺, thus allowing an unattenuated erythrocytic response to erythropoietin without the need for intravenous iron supplementation. The totality of clinical evidence supports the "cytosolic iron repletion hypothesis" because SGLT2 inhibitors elicit a full and sustained erythrocytosis in response to erythropoietin, even in overtly iron-deficient patients and in the absence of intravenous iron therapy. Therefore, the emergence of an iron-deficiency pattern of response during SGLT2 inhibition does not reflect worsening iron stores that are in need of replenishment, but instead, represents potential alleviation of a state of inflammation-related functional iron deficiency that is commonly seen in patients with chronic heart failure. Treatment with intravenous iron may be unnecessary and theoretically deleterious.

Effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD : A pilot study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with reduced exercise capacity. In COPD iron deficiency is found in up to 50% of patients and may impair exercise capacity, the potential therapeutic effect is yet unknown. We aimed to estimate the beneficial effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD.

METHODS

In this non-randomized, interrupted time series pilot trial we enrolled outpatients with stable COPD (GOLD II and III) and nonanemic iron deficiency (i.e., ferritin level < 100 μg/l or ferritin level 100-300 μg/l if transferrin saturation < 20%). Patients with cardiovascular-or inflammatory diseases were excluded. Participants performed 6‑minute walking test (6-MWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

RESULTS

From 35 screened patients, 11 (72% male, 63 ± 8 years, FEV1%predicted 44 ± 14) were included. Mean ferritin and hemoglobin were 70 ± 41 µg/l and 13.8 ± 1.7 g/dl, respectively. Four weeks after iron administration the 6‑MWT distance increased by 34.7 ± 34.4 m (95% CI, 10.0-59.3); p = 0.011. The VO2max increased by 1.87 ± 1.2 ml/kg/min (95% CI, 0.76-3); p = 0.006. Mean score of SGRQ was reduced by 7.56 ± 6.12 units (95% CI, 3 to 11); p = 0.004. The insignificant alteration in hemoglobin did not correlate with increase in exercise capacity.

CONCLUSION

Administration of intravenous iron was associated with improved exercise capacity and quality of life in stable COPD patients independent of hemoglobin. Our data provide a basis to calculate a statistically sufficient sample size for a randomized controlled follow-up study.

How can sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors stimulate erythrocytosis in patients who are iron-deficient? Implications for understanding iron homeostasis in heart failure

Many patients with heart failure have an iron-deficient state, which can limit erythropoiesis in erythroid precursors and ATP production in cardiomyocytes. Yet, treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors produces consistent increases in haemoglobin and haematocrit, even in patients who are iron-deficient before treatment, and this effect remains unattenuated throughout treatment even though SGLT2 inhibitors further aggravate biomarkers of iron deficiency. Heart failure is often accompanied by systemic inflammation, which activates hepcidin, thus impairing the duodenal absorption of iron and the release of iron from macrophages and hepatocytes, leading to a decline in circulating iron. Inflammation and oxidative stress also promote the synthesis of ferritin and suppress ferritinophagy, thus impairing the release of intracellular iron stores and leading to the depletion of bioreactive cytosolic Fe2+ . By alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, SGLT2 inhibitors down-regulate hepcidin, upregulate transferrin receptor protein 1 and reduce ferritin; the net result is to increase the levels of cytosolic Fe2+ available to mitochondria, thus enabling the synthesis of heme (in erythroid precursors) and ATP (in cardiomyocytes). The finding that SGLT2 inhibitors can induce erythrocytosis without iron supplementation suggests that the abnormalities in iron diagnostic tests in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure are likely to be functional, rather than absolute, that is, they are related to inflammation-mediated trapping of iron by hepcidin and ferritin, which is reversed by treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors. An increase in bioreactive cytosolic Fe2+ is also likely to augment mitochondrial production of ATP in cardiomyocytes, thus retarding the progression of heart failure. These effects on iron metabolism are consistent with (i) proteomics analyses of placebo-controlled trials, which have shown that biomarkers of iron homeostasis represent the most consistent effect of SGLT2 inhibitors; and (ii) statistical mediation analyses, which have reported striking parallelism of the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors to promote erythrocytosis and reduce heart failure events.

Hepcidin as a Regulator of Iron Metabolism and Mediator of Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Anemia of Chronic Diseases of the Elderly and Senile Age

Aim. To study the role of hepcidin as a regulator of iron metabolism and a mediator of inflammation in elderly and senile patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with anemia of chronic diseases (ACD).Material and methods. The levels of hemogram parameters, ferrokinetics (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, erythropoietin, hepcidin), inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], as well as correlations between hepcidin and these parameters were studied in patients with CHF with ACD (n=35), with CHF without anemia (n=35) and in elderly and senile patients without CHF and anemia (control group; n=20).Results. Normal levels of hepcidin (9.17±0.97 ng/ml) and the only significant correlation of hepcidin with the ferrokinetic parameter – serum iron [r(S)=0.480, p<0.05] were found in the control group. Normal levels of hepcidin (12.01±1.19 ng/ml) and two significant correlations of hepcidin with the ferrokinetic parameter – ferritin [r(S)=0.525, p<0.05] and transferrin [r(S)=-0.343, p<0.05] were found in the CHF without anemia group. Significantly elevated levels of hepcidin (23.81±3.63 ng/ml) were found in the CHF with ACD group compared to the CHF without anemia group (p=0.008) and the control group (p=0.003). Also, five significant correlations of hepcidin with hemogram parameters – hemoglobin [r(S)=-0.461, p<0.05] and the average concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte [r(S)=-0.437, p<0.05]; with ferrokinetic parameters – ferritin [r(S)=0.596,p<0.05] and transferrin [r(S)=-0.474, p<0.05]; with inflammation parameters – CRP [r(S)=0.561, p<0.05] were found in the CHF with ACD group.Conclusion. The increased level of hepcidin in CHF patients with ACD and the formation of links of hepcidin with indicators of inflammation reflect its role as a mediator of inflammation, and the formation of connections with indicators of hemogram and ferrokinetics – its role as a regulator of iron metabolism involved in the development of ACD in elderly and senile CHF patients.

Preoperative Evaluation and Care of Heart Transplant Candidates

Heart transplantation is recommended for patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical and device therapy, and who do not have absolute contraindications. When patients become eligible for heart transplantation, they undergo comprehensive evaluation and preparation to optimize their posttransplantation outcomes. This review provides an overview of the processes that are employed to enable the candidates to be transplant-ready when donor hearts are available.

Clinical utility of reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent in patients with heart failure

Anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are common in patients with heart failure (HF) and intravenous (IV) administration of iron to patients hospitalized for decompensated HF with ID improves outcome. The diagnosis of ID in routine practice is based on serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) but both have limitations; alternatives should be considered. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) reflects iron content in reticulocytes but its clinical utility in patients with HF remains uncertain. We prospectively enrolled 142 patients hospitalized for decompensated HF. Sixty five percent had ID as defined in current international guidelines. Ret-He was directly correlated with serum iron and ferritin concentrations and with TSAT. There was a poor relationship between quartile of Ret-He and HF hospitalization or death but increases or decreases in Ret-He between admission and discharge were associated with a worse outcome. The clinical utility of Ret-He for identifying ID and predicting response to IV iron and prognosis for patients with HF requires further investigation.

Prevalence and clinical associations of iron deficiency in patients with decompensated heart failure, depending on the diagnostic criteria used for iron deficiency

Aim. To compare the frequency of iron deficiency (ID) in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF), defined by international guideline criterion ferritin 100 ng/ml or ferritin from 100 to 299 ng/ml with TSAT20% (criterion A) and by bone marrow biopsy criterion TSAT19.8% and serum iron 13 mol/l (criterion B); to evaluate the effect of ID, diagnosed on the basis of different ID criteria, on NT pro-BNP, sST2, CRP levels and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes (FC) distribution between groups with ID and without ID. Materials and methods. The study included 223 patients (median age 73 [65; 82] years, 58% males) who were hospitalized to V.V. Vinogradov Moscow City Clinical Hospital No. 64 with decompensated HF. All patients underwent a standard physiological examination, laboratory and instrumental studies, including determination of NT-proBNP, sST2, CRP, and ferrokinetic parameters (serum iron, transferrin, ferritin). TSAT was calculated as: serum iron / transferrin 3.98. NYHA FC was determined according to Heart Failure Severity Rating Scale score. All patients underwent echocardiography to assess the ejection fraction of the left ventricle. Results. According to criterion A ID was detected in 89% (n=199) of patients. There were no significant differences between levels of CRP, NT-proBNP and sST2. According to criterion B ID was detected in 70% (n=156) of patients. In the ID group, higher levels of CRP (15.1 mg/l vs 6.2 mg/l, p0.001), NT-proBNP (5422 pg/ml vs 2380 pg/ml, p0.001) and sST2 (59.6 ng/ml vs 42 ng/ml, p=0.02) were detected. Intravenous FCM admission according to current international guidelines (diagnosis of ID according to criterion A) is recommended to 57% of patients included in this study. Both methods formed groups with ID, in which patients had higher NYHA FC compared to groups without ID. According to current clinical guidelines, iron deficiency should be assessed according to method 1. More than half of patients (57, n=127) have indications for intravenous FCM to reduce risk of HF hospitalizations. Conclusion. The frequency of ID in patients with decompensated heart failure varies from 70 to 89% depending on the criterion used to diagnose ID, but in any case, remains high. Intravenous FCM should be prescribed in 57% (n=127) of patients. Criterion B, validated against the gold standard of diagnostics, unlike criterion A, makes it possible to form groups of patients with ID and without ID, significantly differing in CRP, NT-proBNP, and sST2 levels.

The Anemia Stress Index—Anemia, Transfusions, and Mortality in Patients with Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Devices

We aimed to identify a simple metric accounting for peri-procedural hemoglobin changes, independent of blood product transfusion strategies, and assess its correlation with outcomes in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation We included consecutive patients undergoing LVAD implantation at a single center between 10/1/2008 and 6/1/2014. The anemia stress index (ASI), defined as the sum of number of packed red blood cells transfused and the hemoglobin changes after LVAD implantation, was calculated for each patient at 24 h, discharge, and 3 months after LVAD implantation. Our cohort included 166 patients (80.1% males, mean age 56.3 ± 15.6 years) followed up for a median of 12.3 months. Increases in ASI per unit were associated with a higher hazard for all-cause mortality and early RV failure. The associations between the ASI and all-cause mortality persisted after multivariable adjustment, irrespective of when it was calculated (adjusted HR of 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20 per unit increase in ASI). Similarly, ASI at 24 h after implant was associated with early RV failure despite multivariable adjustment (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.14). We present a novel metric, the ASI, that is correlated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality and early RV failure in LVAD recipients.

Prevalence and temporal trends of anemia in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Anemia is an important comorbidity in heart failure (HF), and it is associated with increased adverse disease experience and mortality. Previous reports have focused mainly on HF presenting in healthcare settings. We, therefore, set out to establish the nationwide prevalence and temporal trends of anemia in community-based patients with HF in the US.

AIM

To establish the nationwide prevalence and temporal trends of anemia in community-based patients with HF in the US.

DESIGN

The NHANES dataset, conducted by the CDC National Center for Health Statistics was used to collect nationally representative data on the health and nutritional status of the non-institutionalized US population.

METHODS

We utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination data collected over five survey cycles (2007-16). Included were participants aged 20-80 years with self-reported diagnosis of HF. Anemia was defined using 2 sex specific cut offs of 13 and 12 g/dl (cutoff 1), and 12 and 11 g/dl (cutoff 2), for men and women, respectively. The Chi square test was used to compare prevalence across different categories and survey cycles. Data analysis was done using STATA 16 with P-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The median hemoglobin in all HF patients was 13.5 g/dl (IQR 12.4-14.5). The prevalence of anemia among community-based patients with HF in the US was 21.34% (cutoff 1) and 9.03% (cutoff 2) and has been stable from 2007 to 2016. The burden of anemia was disproportionately higher in NH Blacks (34.48%, 95% CI 27.12-42.67) and those with BMI < 25 Kg/m2 (17.4%, 95% CI 10.9-26.64).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of anemia in patients with HF in the US is at least 9% and has remained stable over the past decade. This high persistent burden with limited proven interventions should spur further efforts aimed at identifying impactful ways of addressing anemia in patients with HF.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Administration in Left Ventricular Assist Device and Heart Transplantation Patients

Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF). In these patients, intravenous iron administration can improve clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL). However, data on ID are lacking in patients who have transitioned toward left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplantation (HTx). All patients who underwent LVAD (n = 84) surgery or HTx (n = 67) at our center between 2012 and 2019, aged ≥18 years with a follow-up of ≥3 months, were included. Retrospectively, the prevalence of ID up to 1 year preoperatively, and up to February 2020 postoperatively, as well as all iron administrations were assessed during this period. Iron status was assessed in 61% and 51% of the LVAD and HTx patients preoperatively, and 81% and 84%, respectively, postoperatively. Of these patients, 53% and 71% of the LVAD and HTx patients preoperatively were diagnosed with ID preoperatively, and 71% and 77%, respectively, postoperatively. ID was more frequently diagnosed >3 months postoperatively. Sixty-three percent of the LVAD (mostly intravenous) and 63% of the HTx patients (mostly oral) received iron administration. ID is highly prevalent pre- and post-LVAD and HTx. It is plausible that substitution can have similar QoL gains as in regular HF patients.

Practical Guidance for Diagnosing and Treating Iron Deficiency in Patients with Heart Failure: Why, Who and How?

Iron deficiency (ID) is a comorbid condition frequently seen in patients with heart failure (HF). Iron has an important role in the transport of oxygen, and is also essential for skeletal and cardiac muscle, which depend on iron for oxygen storage and cellular energy production. Thus, ID per se, even without anaemia, can be harmful. In patients with HF, ID is associated with a poorer quality of life (QoL) and exercise capacity, and a higher risk of hospitalisations and mortality, even in the absence of anaemia. Despite its negative clinical consequences, ID remains under-recognised. However, it is easily diagnosed and managed, and the recently revised 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on HF provide specific recommendations for its diagnosis and treatment. Prospective randomised controlled trials in patients with symptomatic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) show that correction of ID using intravenous iron (principally ferric carboxymaltose [FCM]) provides improvements in symptoms of HF, exercise capacity and QoL, and a recent trial demonstrated that FCM therapy following hospitalisation due to acute decompensated HF reduced the risk of subsequent HF hospitalisations. This review provides a summary of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ID in HFrEF, and practical guidance on screening, diagnosing, and treating ID.

Deficiência de Ferro na Insuficiência Cardíaca com Fração de Ejeção Reduzida: Fisiopatologia, Diagnóstico e Tratamento

A deficiência de ferro (DF) ou ferropenia é uma importante comorbidade na insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFER) estável, e muito prevalente tanto nos anêmicos como não anêmicos. A ferropenia na ICFER deve ser pesquisada por meio da coleta de saturação de transferrina e ferritina. Há dois tipos de ferropenia na IC: absoluta, em que as reservas de ferro estão depletadas; e funcional, onde o suprimento de ferro é inadequado apesar das reservas normais. A ferropenia está associada com pior classe funcional e maior risco de morte em pacientes com ICFER, e evidências científicas apontam melhora de sintomas e de qualidade de vida desses pacientes com tratamento com ferro parenteral na forma de carboximaltose férrica. O ferro exerce funções imprescindíveis como o transporte (hemoglobina) e armazenamento (mioglobina) de oxigênio, além de ser fundamental para o funcionamento das mitocôndrias, constituídas de proteínas à base de ferro, e local de geração de energia na cadeia respiratória pelo metabolismo oxidativo. A geração insuficiente e utilização anormal de ferro nas células musculares esquelética e cardíaca contribuem para a fisiopatologia da IC. A presente revisão tem o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento a respeito da fisiopatologia da ferropenia na ICFER, abordar as ferramentas disponíveis para o diagnóstico e discutir sobre a evidência científica existente de reposição de ferro.

Anemia and outcomes following left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND

Patients with concomitant anemia and congestive heart failure have poor outcomes. The prevalence and clinical risk of anemia in patients receiving durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) remain unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2014 and 2018. The association between hemoglobin level at the time of index discharge and the one-year composite endpoint of heart failure readmissions or hemocompatibility-related adverse events was investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients (57 [48, 66] years old, 123 males) were included and stratified into a classification of anemia (hemoglobin <9.7 g/dl, N = 99) or non-anemia (N = 69). The anemia group had a higher one-year incidence of the composite endpoint (56% vs 36%, p = .013) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.83 (95% confidence interval 1.08-2.82). Patients with anemia also experienced suboptimal bi-ventricular unloading.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia was prevalent in LVAD patients and associated with a greater risk of heart failure and hemocompatibility-related adverse events. The optimal threshold for therapeutic intervention in response to post-LVAD anemia needs further investigation.

Towards a Common Definition for the Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Iron deficiency (ID) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases is frequent. However, under-diagnosis is also frequent due to the heterogeneity between guidelines from different medical societies. We applied a common definition for the diagnosis of ID to a large panel of patients with cancer, heart failure (HF), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), where ID was defined as serum ferritin concentration <100 μg/L and/or a transferrin saturation (TSAT) index <20%. Prevalence estimates using this common definition were compared with that obtained with officially accepted definitions (ESMO 2018, ESC 2016, ECCO 2015, and ERBP 2013). For that purpose, we used data collected during the French CARENFER studies, which included 1232, 1733, 1090, and 1245 patients with cancer, HF, IBD, and CKD, respectively. When applying the common definition, ID prevalence increased to 58.1% (vs. 57.9%), 62.8% (49.6%), and 61.2% (23.7%) in cancer, HF, and IBD patients, respectively. Both prevalence estimates were similar (47.1%) in CKD patients. Based on our results, we recommend combining both ferritin concentration and TSAT index to define ID in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. In those patients, adopting this common definition of ID should contribute to a better screening for ID, whatever the condition.

Relationship between the Amount of Menstrual Flow and Cardiac Status in Women with Fontan Circulation

A high prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) has been reported in women with Fontan circulation. Cyanosis has been reported to contribute to HMB, and menstruation has been suggested to affect cardiac status in women with congenital heart disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the amount of menstrual flow and cardiac status in women with Fontan circulation.Twenty women who had undergone the Fontan procedure were prospectively investigated and the amount of their menstrual flow was evaluated using a questionnaire. Participants were divided into two groups-small and large menstrual bleeding groups-and their clinical data, including the results of hematological tests and echocardiographic findings, were evaluated.One (5%) woman showed primary amenorrhea. Eight of the remaining 19 (42%) women were included in the large menstrual bleeding group. Women with large menstrual bleeding showed a significantly higher hematocrit level (47.1% [36.2%-50.3%] versus 42.1% [35.3%-44.9%], P = 0.006) and longer QRS duration (106 [92-172] ms versus 88 [78-140] ms, P = 0.008), as well as a lower fractional area change (37.4% [35.6%-47.2%] versus 47.0% [38.2%-55.7%], P = 0.010) and global longitudinal strain (-10.5% [-14.9% to -6.6%] versus -13.9% [-20.5% to -7.8%], P = 0.041) of the dominant ventricle on echocardiography, than women with small bleeding.Erythrocytosis, longer QRS duration, and reduced ventricular function were related to increased menstrual bleeding in women with Fontan circulation. These functions may be interrelated with the amount of menstrual flow in such women.

Chronic Heart Failure: Clinical Implications of Iron Homeostasis Disturbances Revisited

Iron deficiency is prevalent in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Nonetheless, the diagnosis is often overlooked and, often, the treatment is commenced just when overt anemia has ensued. Therefore, a better appreciation of this disease is needed, and all seasoned cardiologists should know how to approach CHF patients with iron deficiency correctly, as mandated by clinical practice guidelines. In this comprehensive review, we describe iron homeostasis, the pathophysiologic changes of iron homeostasis, and the clinical implications of iron deficiency on CHF patients. In addition, we delineate the evolution of clinical trials, ranging from the inception to the ongoing clinical trials of iron deficiency treatment in CHF patients. Iron deficiency contributes to the worse clinical outcome of the patients. Numerous studies have reported the clinical benefit of iron supplementation, particularly in intravenous preparation, in heart failure patients regarding symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) improvement. Therefore, the current guidelines recommend routine screening of iron status in all newly diagnosed heart failure patients. Eventually, intravenous iron replacement is recommended for symptomatic heart failure patients with iron deficiency, irrespective of anemia.

Acute heart failure and iron deficiency: a prospective, multicentre, observational study

Aims

The prevalence and the natural course of iron deficiency (ID) in acute heart failure (AHF) are still unclear. We investigated the prevalence of ID in unselected patients admitted with AHF on admission, at discharge and up to 3 months thereafter.

Methods and results

In this prospective, multicentre, observational study, 742 patients admitted with AHF were enrolled. The main study outcome was the percentage of patients with ID (ferritin <100 μg/L = absolute ID or ferritin 100–299 μg/L and transferrin saturation <20% = functional ID) at admission (T0), after clinical stabilization prior to discharge (T1), and 10 ± 6 weeks after discharge (T2). At T0, ID was present in 71.8% of the patients (44.1% absolute and 27.7% functional ID). At T1 and T2, ID was present in 56.4% (32.4% absolute and 24% functional ID) and 50.3% (36.8% absolute and 13.5% functional ID), respectively. Absolute ID persisted from T0 to T2 in 66% of the patients, while functional ID resolved in 56% of the patients. Ferritin (median [interquartile range] 124 μg/L [56–247] to 150 μg/L [73–277]), transferrin saturation (15% [10–20] to 18% [12–27]), and iron levels (9 μmol/L [6–13] to 11 μmol/L [8–16]) increased significantly (all P < 0.001) from T0 to T1. Transferrin saturation (to 21% [15–29]) and iron levels (to 13 μmol/L [9–17]) also increased significantly (both P < 0.01) from T1 to T2 without iron supplementation.

Conclusions

Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with AHF, but resolves during treatment in some patients, even without iron supplementation. Absolute ID is more likely to persist over time, whereas functional ID often resolves during treatment of AHF, representing probably a reduced iron availability rather than a true deficiency.

The Impact of Clinical, Biochemical, and Echocardiographic Parameters on the Quality of Life in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Despite significant advances in HF diagnosis and treatment over the recent decades, patients still characterize poor long-term prognosis with many recurrent hospitalizations and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to check the potential relationship between clinical, biochemical, or echocardiographic parameters and HRQoL in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We included 152 adult patients hospitalized due to chronic HFrEF. We used the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire to assess HRQoL and GNRI to evaluate nutritional status. We also analyzed several biochemical parameters and left ventricle ejection fraction. Forty (26.3%) patients were hospitalized due to HF exacerbation and 112 (73.7%) due to planned HF evaluation. The median age was 57 (48–62) years. Patients with low somatic HRQoL score had lower transferrin saturation (23.7 ± 11.1 vs. 29.7 ± 12.5%; p = 0.01), LDL (2.40 (1.80–2.92) vs. 2.99 (2.38–3.60) mmol/L; p = 0.001), triglycerides (1.18 (0.91–1.57) vs. 1.48 (1.27–2.13) mmol/L; p = 0.006) and LVEF (20 (15–25) vs. 25 (20–30)%; p = 0.003). TIBC (64.9 (58.5–68.2) vs. 57.7 (52.7–68.6); p = 0.02) was significantly higher in this group. We observed no associations between HRQoL and age or gender. The somatic domain of WHOQoL-BREF in patients with HFrEF correlated with the clinical status as well as biochemical and echocardiographic parameters. Assessment of HRQoL in HFrEF seems important in everyday practice and can identify patients requiring a special intervention

Iron Overload, Oxidative Stress, and Ferroptosis in the Failing Heart and Liver

Iron accumulation is a key mediator of several cytotoxic mechanisms leading to the impairment of redox homeostasis and cellular death. Iron overload is often associated with haematological diseases which require regular blood transfusion/phlebotomy, and it represents a common complication in thalassaemic patients. Major damages predominantly occur in the liver and the heart, leading to a specific form of cell death recently named ferroptosis. Different from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, ferroptosis is strictly dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species, with a dysregulation of mitochondrial structure/function. Susceptibility to ferroptosis is dependent on intracellular antioxidant capacity and varies according to the different cell types. Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has been proven to be mediated predominantly by iron accumulation and ferroptosis, whereas there is evidence about the role of ferritin in protecting cardiomyocytes from ferroptosis and consequent heart failure. Another paradigmatic organ for transfusion-associated complication due to iron overload is the liver, in which the role of ferroptosis is yet to be elucidated. Some studies report a role of ferroptosis in the initiation of hepatic inflammation processes while others provide evidence about an involvement in several pathologies including immune-related hepatitis and acute liver failure. In this manuscript, we aim to review the literature to address putative common features between the response to ferroptosis in the heart and liver. A better comprehension of (dys)similarities is pivotal for the development of future therapeutic strategies that can be designed to specifically target this type of cell death in an attempt to minimize iron-overload effects in specific organs.

Hematinic deficiency in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hematinic deficiency irrespective of anemia is not uncommon in patients with heart failure. We studied the prevalence, distribution, and etiology of anemia in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and compared it with non-anemic patients.

METHODS

Congestive heart failure (CHF) was diagnosed by modified Framingham criteria and ejection fraction (EF) <40%. Iron deficiency (ID) anemia was defined as serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml (absolute) or 100-300 ng/ml with transferrin saturation <20% (functional). Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency were defined as <200pg/ml and <4ng/ml respectively.

RESULT

688 patients with HFrEF were studied with an overall mean age of 57.2±13.8 years, and males outnumbering females (62.3% vs. 37.7%). Coronary artery disease (44.2%), dilated cardiomyopathy (46.8%), and valvular heart disease (6.7%) were major causes of CHF.Anemia was found in 63.9% of patients. Vit B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency were found in 107 (15.55%), and 54 (7.85%) subjects, respectively. Absolute ID was detected in 186 (42.27%) patients with anemia and 84 (33.87%) patients without anemia, while functional ID was present in 80 (18.18%) patients with anemia and 29 (11.69%) patients without anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency was noted in 70 (15.9%) patients with anemia and 37 (14.9%) patients without anemia, while folate deficiency was noted in 31 (7.04%) patients with anemia and 23 (9.2%) patients without anemia. Hematinic deficiency among the study population was distributed equally among patients irrespective of EF, NYHA class, socioeconomic class diet pattern.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that hematinic deficiency was seen even in non-anemic patients irrespective of diet pattern. Supplementation could be a strong strategy to improve outcomes in these patients of heart failure irrespective of anemia and should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Iron Deficiency: A New Target for Patients With Heart Failure

Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most frequent comorbidities in patients with heart failure (HF). ID is estimated to be present in up to 50% of outpatients and is a strong independent predictor of HF outcomes. ID has been shown to reduce quality of life, exercise capacity and survival, in both the presence and absence of anemia. The most recent 2016 guidelines recommend starting replacement treatment at ferritin cutoff value <100 mcg/l or between 100 and 299 mcg/l when the transferrin saturation is <20%. Beyond its effect on hemoglobin, iron plays an important role in oxygen transport and in the metabolism of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Mitochondria are the most important sites of iron utilization and energy production. These factors clearly have roles in the diminished exercise capacity in HF. Oral iron administration is usually the first route used for iron repletion in patients. However, the data from the IRONOUT HF study do not support the use of oral iron supplementation in patients with HF and a reduced ejection fraction, because this treatment does not affect peak VO₂ (the primary endpoint of the study) or increase serum ferritin levels. The FAIR-HF and CONFIRM-HF studies have shown improvements in symptoms, quality of life and functional capacity in patients with stable, symptomatic, iron-deficient HF after the administration of intravenous iron (i.e., FCM). Moreover, they have shown a decreased risk of first hospitalization for worsening of HF, as later confirmed in a subsequent meta-analysis. In addition, the EFFECT-HF study has shown an improvement in peak oxygen consumption at CPET (a parameter generally considered the gold standard of exercise capacity and a predictor of outcome in HF) in patients randomized to receive ferric carboxymaltose. Finally, the AFFIRM AHF trial evaluating the effects of FCM administration on the outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute HF has found significantly fewer hospital readmissions due to HF among patients treated with FCM rather than placebo.

Prognostic Value of Fractional Excretion of Urea Nitrogen at Discharge in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background

Maintaining euvolemia is crucial for improving prognosis in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Although fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN) is used as a body fluid volume index in patients with acute kidney injury, the clinical impact of FEUN in patients with ADHF remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether FEUN can determine the long‐term prognosis in patients with ADHF.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively identified 466 patients with ADHF who had FEUN measured at discharge between April 2011 and December 2018. The primary endpoint was post‐discharge all‐cause death. Patients were divided into two groups according to a FEUN cut‐off value of 35%, commonly used in pre‐renal failure. The FEUN <35% (low‐FEUN) group included 224 patients (48.1%), and the all‐cause mortality rate for the total cohort was 37.1%. The log‐rank test revealed that the low‐FEUN group had a significantly higher rate of all‐cause death compared to the FEUN equal to or greater than 35% (high‐FEUN) group (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that low‐FEUN was associated with post‐discharge all‐cause death, independently of other heart failure risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.467; 95% CI, 1.030–2.088, P=0.033). The risk of low‐FEUN compared to high‐FEUN in post‐discharge all‐cause death was consistent across all subgroups; however, the effects tended to be modified by renal function (threshold: 60 mL/min/1.73 m², interaction P=0.069).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that FEUN may be a novel surrogate marker of volume status in patients with ADHF requiring diuretics.

New Drugs for Heart Failure: What is the Evidence in Older Patients?

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern, with a high prevalence in the older population. The majority of randomized clinical trials evaluating new emerging pharmacologic agents for HF (eg, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, intravenous iron for deficiency treatment, transthyretin stabilizers, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, cardiac myosin activators, and new potassium binders) have found positive results on various clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction. These treatments might have an important role in the management of older patients as well. Nevertheless, trials demonstrating benefit of these drugs have involved patients significantly younger (on average, approximately 10 years) and fewer comorbidities than those commonly encountered in clinical practice. We describe the recent evidence regarding the newest HF drugs and their applicability to older individuals in terms of efficacy and safety, and we discuss their effects on outcomes particularly valuable to older patients, such as preservation of cognitive function, functional status, independence, and quality of life. Although available subgroup analyses seem to confirm efficacy and safety across the age spectrum for some of these drugs, their effects on older patients centered outcomes often have been neglected. Future HF trials should be designed to include older patients more representative of the real clinical practice, to overcome generalizability biases.

Natural history and prognostic significance of iron deficiency and anaemia in ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure

AIMS

Iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia are common in heart failure; less is known about changes over time.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated prevalence, incidence and resolution of ID and anaemia in 906 patients with chronic heart failure (median age 73 (65-79) years, 70% men, 51% with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) 1 year apart. ID was defined as serum iron ≤13 µmol/L and anaemia as haemoglobin <13.0 g/dL for men or <12.0 g/dL for women. FAIR-HF criteria for ID were also considered. At baseline, 10% had anaemia without ID, 23% had ID without anaemia, 20% had both, and 47% had neither. Percentages changed little over 1 year, but 157 (30%) patients had new-onset ID, 104 (16%) new-onset anaemia, whilst ID resolved in 173 (44%) and anaemia in 63 (23%). Compared to those who remained iron replete (iron >13 µmol/L), mortality was higher in those with persistent or incident ID at 1 year [hazard ratio (HR) 1.81 (1.23-2.67), and HR 1.40 (0.91-2.14), respectively] in multivariable models (P = 0.02). Compared to persistent ID, resolution of ID was associated with a lower mortality [HR 0.61 (0.44-0.86); P = 0.004]. Changes in ID defined by FAIR-HF criteria were not similarly associated with mortality. Anaemia was associated with a poor outcome even if it resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and incidence of ID and anaemia are high in chronic heart failure but so is the rate of resolution. Persistent or incident ID, defined by a serum iron ≤13 µmol/L, is associated with higher mortality and resolution of ID with lower mortality.

Serum or plasma ferritin concentration as an index of iron deficiency and overload

BACKGROUND

Reference standard indices of iron deficiency and iron overload are generally invasive, expensive, and can be unpleasant or occasionally risky. Ferritin is an iron storage protein and its concentration in the plasma or serum reflects iron stores; low ferritin indicates iron deficiency, while elevated ferritin reflects risk of iron overload. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase protein and its levels are elevated in inflammation and infection. The use of ferritin as a diagnostic test of iron deficiency and overload is a common clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ferritin concentrations (serum or plasma) for detecting iron deficiency and risk of iron overload in primary and secondary iron-loading syndromes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases (10 June 2020): DARE (Cochrane Library) Issue 2 of 4 2015, HTA (Cochrane Library) Issue 4 of 4 2016, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library) Issue 6 of 12 2020, MEDLINE (OVID) 1946 to 9 June 2020, Embase (OVID) 1947 to week 23 2020, CINAHL (Ebsco) 1982 to June 2020, Web of Science (ISI) SCI, SSCI, CPCI-exp & CPCI-SSH to June 2020, POPLINE 16/8/18, Open Grey (10/6/20), TRoPHI (10/6/20), Bibliomap (10/6/20), IBECS (10/6/20), SCIELO (10/6/20), Global Index Medicus (10/6/20) AIM, IMSEAR, WPRIM, IMEMR, LILACS (10/6/20), PAHO (10/6/20), WHOLIS 10/6/20, IndMED (16/8/18) and Native Health Research Database (10/6/20). We also searched two trials registers and contacted relevant organisations for unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all study designs seeking to evaluate serum or plasma ferritin concentrations measured by any current or previously available quantitative assay as an index of iron status in individuals of any age, sex, clinical and physiological status from any country.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We followed standard Cochrane methods. We designed the data extraction form to record results for ferritin concentration as the index test, and bone marrow iron content for iron deficiency and liver iron content for iron overload as the reference standards. Two other authors further extracted and validated the number of true positive, true negative, false positive, false negative cases, and extracted or derived the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for each threshold presented for iron deficiency and iron overload in included studies. We assessed risk of bias and applicability using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 tool. We used GRADE assessment to enable the quality of evidence and hence strength of evidence for our conclusions.

MAIN RESULTS

Our search was conducted initially in 2014 and updated in 2017, 2018 and 2020 (10 June). We identified 21,217 records and screened 14,244 records after duplicates were removed. We assessed 316 records in full text. We excluded 190 studies (193 records) with reasons and included 108 studies (111 records) in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. There were 11 studies (12 records) that we screened from the last search update and appeared eligible for a future analysis. We decided to enter these as awaiting classification. We stratified the analysis first by participant clinical status: apparently healthy and non-healthy populations. We then stratified by age and pregnancy status as: infants and children, adolescents, pregnant women, and adults. Iron deficiency We included 72 studies (75 records) involving 6059 participants. Apparently healthy populations Five studies screened for iron deficiency in people without apparent illness. In the general adult population, three studies reported sensitivities of 63% to 100% at the optimum cutoff for ferritin, with corresponding specificities of 92% to 98%, but the ferritin cutoffs varied between studies. One study in healthy children reported a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 77%. One study in pregnant women reported a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 100%. Overall confidence in these estimates was very low because of potential bias, indirectness, and sparse and heterogenous evidence. No studies screened for iron overload in apparently healthy people. People presenting for medical care There were 63 studies among adults presenting for medical care (5042 participants). For a sample of 1000 subjects with a 35% prevalence of iron deficiency (of the included studies in this category) and supposing a 85% specificity, there would be 315 iron-deficient subjects correctly classified as having iron deficiency and 35 iron-deficient subjects incorrectly classified as not having iron deficiency, leading to a 90% sensitivity. Thresholds proposed by the authors of the included studies ranged between 12 to 200 µg/L. The estimated diagnostic odds ratio was 50. Among non-healthy adults using a fixed threshold of 30 μg/L (nine studies, 512 participants, low-certainty evidence), the pooled estimate for sensitivity was 79% with a 95% confidence interval of (58%, 91%) and specificity of 98%, with a 95% confidence interval of (91%, 100%). The estimated diagnostic odds ratio was 140, a relatively highly informative test. Iron overload We included 36 studies (36 records) involving 1927 participants. All studies concerned non-healthy populations. There were no studies targeting either infants, children, or pregnant women. Among all populations (one threshold for males and females; 36 studies, 1927 participants, very low-certainty evidence): for a sample of 1000 subjects with a 42% prevalence of iron overload (of the included studies in this category) and supposing a 65% specificity, there would be 332 iron-overloaded subjects correctly classified as having iron overload and 85 iron-overloaded subjects incorrectly classified as not having iron overload, leading to a 80% sensitivity. The estimated diagnostic odds ratio was 8.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

At a threshold of 30 micrograms/L, there is low-certainty evidence that blood ferritin concentration is reasonably sensitive and a very specific test for iron deficiency in people presenting for medical care. There is very low certainty that high concentrations of ferritin provide a sensitive test for iron overload in people where this condition is suspected. There is insufficient evidence to know whether ferritin concentration performs similarly when screening asymptomatic people for iron deficiency or overload.

The Prognostic Significance of Anemia in Patients With Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Studies From the Last Decade

Background: Anemia is a commonly occurring comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). Although there are a few reports of a higher prevalence of mortality and hospitalization-related outcomes due to accompanying anemia, other studies suggest that anemia does not have an adverse impact on the prognostic outcomes of HF. Two meta-analyses in the past decade had reported the adverse impact of anemia on both mortality and hospitalization- related outcomes. However, only one of these studies had evaluated the outcome while using multivariable adjusted hazard ratios. Moreover, several studies since then reported the prognostic influence of anemia in HF. In this present study, we evaluate the prognostic impact of anemia on mortality and hospitalization outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods: We carried out a systematic search of the academic literature in the scientific databases EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, clinicaltrial.gov, and MEDLINE based on the PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was then performed to evaluate the effect (presented as risk ratio) of anemia on the overall mortality and hospitalization outcome in patients with HF.

Results: Out of 1,397 studies, 11 eligible studies were included with a total of 53,502 (20,615 Female, 32,887 Male) HF patients (mean age: 71.6 ± 8.3-years, Hemoglobin: 11.9 ± 1.5 g/dL). Among them, 19,794 patients suffered from anemia (Hb: 10.5 ± 1.6), and 33,708 patients did not have anemia (Hb: 13.2 ± 1.7 g/dL). A meta-analysis revealed a high-odds ratio (OR) for the overall mortality in patients with anemia (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.29–1.84). A high-risk ratio was also reported for hospitalization as the outcome in patients with anemia (1.22, 1.0–1.58).

Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence of the high risk of mortality and hospitalization-related outcomes in patients with HF and anemia. The study confirms the findings of previously published meta-analyses suggesting anemia as an important and independent risk factor delineating the prognostic outcome of chronic HF.

Iron deficiency in heart failure

Iron deficiency is a major heart failure co‐morbidity present in about 50% of patients with stable heart failure irrespective of the left ventricular function. Along with compromise of daily activities, it also increases patient morbidity and mortality, which is independent of anaemia. Several trials have established parenteral iron supplementation as an important complimentary therapy to improve patient well‐being and physical performance. Intravenous iron preparations, in the first‐line ferric carboxymaltose, demonstrated in previous clinical trials superior clinical effect in comparison with oral iron preparations, improving New York Heart Association functional class, 6 min walk test distance, peak oxygen consumption, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Beneficial effect of iron deficiency treatment on morbidity and mortality of heart failure patients is waiting for conformation in ongoing trials. Although the current guidelines for treatment of chronic and acute heart failure acknowledge importance of iron deficiency correction and recommend intravenous iron supplementation for its treatment, iron deficiency remains frequently undertreated and insufficiently diagnosed in setting of the chronic heart failure. This paper highlights the current state of the art in the pathophysiology of iron deficiency, associations with heart failure trajectory and outcome, and an overview of current guideline‐suggested treatment options.

Anemia of cardiorenal syndrome

Cardiorenal syndrome includes a spectrum of disorders of the kidneys and heart in which loss of function in one organ contributes to reduced function in the other organ. Cardiorenal syndrome is frequently complicated by comorbid anemia, which leads to reciprocal and progressive cardiac and renal deterioration. The triad of heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and anemia is termed cardiorenal anemia syndrome (CRAS). There are currently no evidence-based recommendations for managing patients with CRAS; however, the treatment of these patients is multifactorial. Not only must the anemia be controlled, but heart failure and kidney injury must be addressed, in addition to other comorbidities. Intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are the mainstays of treatment for anemia of CKD, addressing both iron and erythropoiesis deficiencies. Since erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy can be associated with adverse outcomes at higher doses in patients with CKD and is not used in routine practice in patients with heart failure, treatment options for managing anemia in patients with CRAS are limited. Several new therapies, particularly the hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, are currently under clinical development. The hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors have shown promising results for treating anemia of CKD in clinical trials and may confer benefits in patients with CRAS, potentially addressing some of the limitations of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Updated clinical practice guidelines for the screening and management of anemia in cardiorenal syndrome, in light of potential new therapies and clinical evidence, would improve the clinical outcomes of patients with this complex syndrome.

Iron deficiency as therapeutic target in heart failure: a translational approach

Heart failure (HF) is a potentially debilitating condition, with a prognosis comparable to many forms of cancer. It is often complicated by anemia and iron deficiency (ID), which have been shown to even further harm patients' functional status and hospitalization risk. Iron is a cellular micronutrient that is essential for oxygen uptake and transportation, as well as mitochondrial energy production. Iron is crucially involved in electrochemical stability, maintenance of structure, and contractility of cardiomyocytes. There is mounting evidence that ID indeed hampers the homeostasis of these properties. Animal model and stem cell research has verified these findings on the cellular level, while clinical trials that treat ID in HF patients have shown promising results in improving real patient outcomes, as electromechanically compromised cardiomyocytes translate to HF exacerbations and arrhythmias in patients. In this article, we review our current knowledge on the role of iron in cardiac muscle cells, the contribution of ID to anemia and HF pathophysiology and the capacity of IV iron therapy to ameliorate the patients' arrhythmogenic profile, quality of life, and prognosis.