Iron deficiency and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review iron deficiency in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and evaluate the utility of iron supplementation in PAH patients.
Results Summary
Iron deficiency is common in PAH patients and linked to poor outcomes. Oral iron showed poor bioavailability, but newer formulations like ferrous maltol may improve absorption. IV iron improved outcomes in observational studies but not in a randomized trial for non-anemic patients.
Population
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and iron deficiency.
Effective Dosage
Oral iron dosed three times a day; ferrous maltol dosed every other day.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iron supplementation | decrease | reduced exercise capacity | patients with PAH | - | has been associated with | #1 |
iron supplementation | decrease | compromised oxygen handling | patients with PAH | - | has been associated with | #2 |
iron supplementation | decrease | deterioration of right ventricular function | patients with PAH | - | has been associated with | #3 |
iron supplementation | increase | mortality | patients with PAH | - | has been associated with | #4 |
oral iron dosed three times a day | decrease | oral bioavailability | - | - | has suggested poor oral bioavailability | #5 |
ferrous maltol | increase | absorption and clinical benefit | - | - | may provide better absorption and clinical benefit | #6 |
Intravenous (IV) iron | increase | outcomes | - | - | has been shown in observational studies to improve outcomes | #7 |
Intravenous (IV) iron | no change | any measure of exercise tolerance | patients without anemia | - | has failed to show benefits | #8 |
The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive review of iron deficiency in the setting of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to evaluate the utility of iron supplementation in PAH. Iron deficiency is present in 33%-46% of patients with PAH and has been associated with reduced exercise capacity, compromised oxygen handling, deterioration of right ventricular function, and even mortality. Iron homeostasis and the pathophysiology of PAH are highly intertwined, which has inspired the use of iron supplementation in patients with iron deficiency and PAH. A literature search was performed to identify all available evidence on iron supplementation for PAH. Limited evidence has suggested poor oral bioavailability of oral iron dosed three times a day, but newer formulations such as ferrous maltol may provide better absorption and clinical benefit, especially when dosed less frequently, such as every other day. Intravenous (IV) iron has been shown in observational studies to improve outcomes, but the single randomized control trial in patients without anemia has failed to show benefits in any measure of exercise tolerance. Larger randomized control studies on oral iron with good bioavailability or IV iron in patients with anemia are warranted to explore the potential utility of iron supplementation in patients with PAH.