Optimizing Clinical Status and Quality of Life With Iron Dextran in Gynecologic Patients With Iron Deficiency Anemia [8L

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To assess improvement in quality of life (QoL) in women with iron deficiency anemia secondary to chronic blood loss from benign gynecological conditions. To concurrently assess clinical improvement in hematologic indices. METHODS: An IRB approved prospective observational and survey study of women in an urban-based healthcare system with hemoglobin (Hgb) <12 g/dL who were poor candidates for oral iron supplementation. These women received iron dextran and Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) survey and had labs drawn at treatment, 30-days and 90-days post-infusion. RESULTS: Clinical improvement was assessed with Ferritin, Iron profile, Retic count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit. The questionnaire assessed quality of life with two categories 1) physical health score and 2) mental health score. 23 patients completed the baseline questionnaire and labs. 13 patients completed the 30-day questionnaire, 7 of which completed the labs. Eight completed the survey and labs at 90-days. At baseline, average physical health T-score was 41, mental health T-score of 44, hgb 9.0 g/dL, ferritin 8.47 ng/mL, iron 35 µg/dL and TIBC of 481 mcg/dL. At 30 days, average physical health T-score was 43, mental health T-score of 45, hgb 11.6 g/dL, ferritin 162 ng/mL, iron 76 µg/dL and TIBC 285 mcg/dL. At 90-days, the average physical health T-score was 43, mental health T-score of 42, hgb 12.2 g/dL, ferritin 72 ng/mL, iron 76 µg/dL and TIBC 323 mcg/dL. CONCLUSION: Our study portrays the efficacy of iron dextran in improving hematologic indices without significant change in patient's QoL, including physical and mental health. Nonetheless, intravenous iron may be a good option for patients who are not candidates for oral iron supplementation.