EC Cardiology

Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Anemia, a common comorbidity in HF patients, often worsens outcomes. Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV-FCM) has emerged as a treatment for iron deficiency and anemia in this population.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the utilization and clinical impact of IV-FCM in HF patients and suggest a comprehensive protocol for standardizing IV-FCM dosing and blood biomarker monitoring for medical teams.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of HF patients prescribed IV-FCM between January 1, 2022, and April 31, 2023, at Tawam Hospital, UAE. Data on patient demographics, laboratory measures, IV-FCM dosing, and compliance with guidelines were collected and analyzed.

Results: A total of 50 HF patients were included, with a mean age of 65, and 66% male. Most patients had NYHA Class II-III HF. Proper initial dosing of IV-FCM was administered in 78% of cases, but compliance with follow-up dosing (28%) and lab measures (38%) was low. In improved patients, TSAT and Ferritin levels increased significantly by 122% and 622%, respectively, after IV-FCM administration. Hemoglobin levels increased by 15.8% on average in improved patients. Poor improvement in lab measures was most common in patients with suboptimal or missed follow-up dosing.

Conclusion: This study highlights the effective use of IV-FCM in managing iron deficiency and improving clinical outcomes in HF patients. Significant increases in TSAT, Ferritin, and hemoglobin levels were observed, along with improved quality of life. These findings support IV-FCM as a valuable therapeutic option in HF care and underscore the importance of guideline compliance for monitoring and follow-up dosing.

Keywords: Heart Failure; Iron Deficiency; Ferric Carboxymaltose; Monitoring; Algorithm

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