The effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on red cell distribution width: a subanalysis of the FAIR-HF study

Van Craenenbroeck, E.M., Conraads, V.M., Greenlaw, N. , Gaudesius, G., Mori, C., Ponikowski, P. and Anker, S.D. (2013) The effect of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on red cell distribution width: a subanalysis of the FAIR-HF study. European Journal of Heart Failure, 15(7), pp. 756-762. (doi: 10.1093/eurjhf/hft068)

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Abstract

<p>Aims: Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of variability in red blood cell size, is a novel prognostic marker in chronic heart failure (CHF). Iron deficiency contributes to elevated RDW. In the FAIR-HF trial, i.v. ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improved the 6 min walk test (6MWT) distance in iron-deficient CHF patients. We studied the effect of FCM on RDW and the relationship between RDW and 6MWT distance.</p> <p>Methods and results: In FAIR-HF, iron-deficient CHF patients were randomized to FCM or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. From the total cohort (n = 459), we included 415 patients in whom RDW values and 6MWT distance were available for baseline and at least one follow-up visit (after 4, 12, and 24 weeks). Baseline RDW was higher in anaemic (haemoglobin <12 g/dL) compared with non-anaemic patients [15.2% (14.0–16.8) vs. 14.2% (13.4–15.4), P < 0.0001, median (interquartile range)]. In multivariate analysis, RDW was significantly associated with transferrin saturation (P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.002). Treatment with FCM led to a biphasic response; RDW increased within 4 weeks (+0.54% absolute change from baseline, P = 0.01) but fell to values below the placebo group after 24 weeks (–1.0 %, P = 0.03). The 6MWT distance and RDW were inversely related at baseline (r = –0.30, P < 0.0001). In all patients, the increase in 6MWT distance after 24 weeks was significantly correlated with a decrease in RDW (r= –0.25, P < 0.0001), even after adjustment for changes in haemoglobin.</p> <p>Conclusions: Iron deficiency in CHF is associated with high RDW, even after adjustment for the presence of anaemia. Treatment with i.v. FCM in iron-deficient CHF patients decreases RDW.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Greenlaw, Miss Nicola
Authors: Van Craenenbroeck, E.M., Conraads, V.M., Greenlaw, N., Gaudesius, G., Mori, C., Ponikowski, P., and Anker, S.D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:European Journal of Heart Failure
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:1388-9842
ISSN (Online):1879-0844

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