Characteristics of clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with chronic heart failure of elderly and senile age with iron deficiency

Abstract

Relevance. The frequency of chronic heart failure (CHF) increases with age. A common pathology in patients with CHF is iron deficiency (ID). Age may contribute to development of ID in patients with CHF. The purpose of the study: To study the features of clinical and laboratory parameters in elderly and senile patients with CHF, depending on the presence of ID. Materials and methods: 2 groups of patients with CHF 2-4 functional class were examined: group 1-60-74 years (146 patients, mean age 68.1±3.1), group 2-75 years and older (127 patients, mean age 78.3±2.2). All patients underwent a clinical examination, a 6-minute walk test, a general blood test, the determination of the level of iron, ferritin, transferrin in blood serum, iron saturation of transferrin, soluble transferrin receptors, hepcidin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, the presence and severity of asthenia, anxiety, depression. Results. It has been established that patients in the senile group have a significantly higher functional life expectancy and more pronounced clinical and laboratory manifestations of CHF (the worst 6-minute walk test, more pronounced manifestations of asthenia and depression, a higher concentration of NT-proBNP, hepcidin), compared with elderly patients. The presence of ID in both age groups increases the manifestations of physical asthenia and anxiety. Conclusions: 1) the severity of clinical manifestations of CHF in senile patients is significantly higher than in elderly patients; 2) in senile patients, the levels of hepcidin and latent ID are significantly higher than those in elderly patients; 3) latent ID in both age groups increases the manifestations of physical asthenia and anxiety; 4) it is advisable to conduct early diagnosis of latent ID in all patients with CHF of elderly and, especially, senile age for the timely detection of this condition and the appointment of therapy for correcting ID.