Iron Deficiency in CKD Patients Linked to Higher Death and Heart Risks

A large international study has highlighted the risks of iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The findings suggest that low iron levels are linked to higher death rates and cardiovascular problems, even when anemia is not present. Researchers tracked over 5,000 patients across four countries for three years to reach these conclusions.

The study involved 5,145 people with CKD from Brazil, France, the United States, and Germany. Participants were monitored for a median of three years to assess the impact of iron deficiency on their health. Results showed that 30% to 45% of CKD patients had low iron levels, a condition often associated with anemia.

During the follow-up period, there were 47 deaths and 48 major cardiovascular events per 1,000 patients each year. Iron deficiency was consistently linked to these risks, regardless of whether patients had anemia. The findings challenge the assumption that iron treatment should only target anemia in CKD patients. Researchers emphasised the need for further investigation. Randomised controlled trials are now required to determine whether iron treatment could reduce risks in CKD patients, even when anemia is absent. The study’s results will appear in an upcoming issue of the *Journal of the American Society of Nephrology* (*JASN*).

The study underscores the potential dangers of untreated iron deficiency in CKD patients. Without intervention, low iron levels may increase mortality and cardiovascular complications. Further clinical trials will clarify whether iron treatment could improve outcomes, even for those without anemia.