Objective
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has become important with regard to mortality in
hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the treatment of these patients. Methods IDA in
end-stage renal disease patients on HD was observed in 42 (33.6%) of 125 patients. We examined the influence of daily orally
iron [
sodium ferrous citrate (SFC)
iron/
tablet 50 mg, 1-2
tablets] on the renal function markers,
anemia and
iron data for about 6 months. Results The hematocrit and
hemoglobin levels were significantly increased in the patients treated with SFC [hematocrit: before 28.5%±2.1% (mean ± standard deviation), 1st month 30.0%±2.3%, p<0.05; 3rd month 32.4%±2.9%, p<0.05; 6th month 31.3%±3.4%, p<0.05; and
hemoglobin: before 9.25±0.70, 1st month 9.72±0.71, p<0.05; 3rd month 10.54±0.96, p<0.05; 6th month 10.25±1.21 g/dL, p<0.05]. The
transferrin saturation (TSAT) and serum
ferritin levels were significantly increased in the patients treated with SFC (TSAT: before 21.5%±10.0%, 1st-3rd month, 34.1%±15.1%, p<0.05; 6-8th month 34.7%±11.9%, p<0.05; and
ferritin: before 38.2±37.1, 6-8th month 67.5±44.0 ng/mL, p<0.05). The present findings clearly indicate that oral
iron is an effective route of
iron supplementation in HD patients, and no adverse effects associated with SFC occurred during the treatment and follow-up period. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate that oral
iron delivered via SFC is a well-tolerated and effective form of
iron supplementation in long-term HD and IDA patients in Japan.