Effect of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose on Functional Capacity, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Not on Dialysis, Mild Anemia and Iron Deficiency. A Pilot Study

Abstract Iron deficiency (ID) is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it’s associated with poorer quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is limited to CKD patients with ID and anemia to avoid/delay the need or reduce the dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, according to anemia guidelines. We hypothesized that treatment with IV iron in CKD patients with ID and borderline anemia may improve their functional capacity and QoL, independently of its effects on hemoglobin. In the present study treatment with IV ferric carboximaltose was associated with a significant short-term improvement in the 6-MWT in CKD patients with ID. Patient Global Assessment, EQ-5D and Piper Fatigue Scale also improved at 4 weeks. These findings were independent of hemoglobin changes and support the role of ID per se in the worse functional capacitcy and quality of life in CKD patients.