Quality -of-life scores ( Piper Fatigue Scale MD 0.73 , 95 % CI 0.29 to 1.18 ; I2 = 0 % ; studies = 3 ) and peak oxygen consumption ( MD 2.77 mL/kg/min , 95 % CI -0.89 to 6.43 ; I2 = 36 % ; 2 studies , 32 participants ) were associated with very low- quality evidence , and we remain uncertain about the role of intravenous iron for these metrics .
Current evidence is insufficient to show benefit of intravenous iron preparations for the treatment of non-anaemic iron deficiency across a variety of patient population s , beyond stating that it may result in a small , clinical ly insignificant increase in haemoglobin concentration .
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies , and has a number of physiological manifestations .
Early , or non-anaemic iron deficiency can result in fatigue and diminished exercise capacity .
Oral iron preparations have a high incidence of intolerable side effects , and are ineffective in certain forms of iron deficiency .
Consequently , intravenous iron preparations are increasingly used in the treatment of non-anaemic iron deficiency .
The newer , more stable iron preparations in particular purport to have a lower incidence of side effects , and are now used across a range of different patient population s. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of intravenous iron therapy in the treatment of adults with non-anaemic iron deficiency .
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous iron dextran therapy in patients with ESRD and restless legs syndrome.
BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome ( RLS ) is a common disorder in patients with end-stage renal disease ( ESRD ) that causes motor agitation and insomnia . Because RLS has been associated with iron deficiency , we sought to investigate the effects of intravenous ( IV ) iron dextran on symptoms of RLS in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial . METHODS Patients determined to have RLS by International RLS Study Group criteria were administered either iron dextran , 1,000 mg , or normal saline IV in a blinded fashion . Patient demographic data were collected , and blood chemistry tests , liver function studies , serum iron levels , ferritin levels , and total iron-binding capacity were obtained at baseline and 1 , 2 , and 4 weeks postinfusion . Side effects or adverse events to interventions were monitored , and RLS symptoms were assessed by a rating scale at the same intervals . RESULTS Eleven patients were r and omly assigned to the administration of iron dextran , and 14 patients to the administration of saline .  RLS severity scores were slightly higher in the placebo group at baseline , but hemoglobin levels , iron stores , and other biochemical parameters did not differ . Although no change in symptoms were seen in the placebo-treated group , significant improvement in RLS symptom scores in response to iron dextran was seen 1 week after infusion ( -2 ; interquartile range [ IQR ] , -6 to -1 ; P = 0.03 , Wilcoxon 's rank sums ) , but was greatest at 2 weeks ( -3 ; IQR , -5 to -2 compared with -1 to 0 ; P = 0.01 ) . Salutary effects of iron persisted at 4 weeks , but were no longer statistically significant . The significant increase in serum ferritin levels and iron saturation observed in the iron dextran-treated group was not seen in the placebo-treated group . No differences in adverse events were noted between groups . CONCLUSION High-dose iron dextran infusion is associated with a significant , but transient , reduction in symptoms of RLS in patients with ESRD
Quality -of-life scores ( Piper Fatigue Scale MD 0.73 , 95 % CI 0.29 to 1.18 ; I2 = 0 % ; studies = 3 ) and peak oxygen consumption ( MD 2.77 mL/kg/min , 95 % CI -0.89 to 6.43 ; I2 = 36 % ; 2 studies , 32 participants ) were associated with very low- quality evidence , and we remain uncertain about the role of intravenous iron for these metrics .
Current evidence is insufficient to show benefit of intravenous iron preparations for the treatment of non-anaemic iron deficiency across a variety of patient population s , beyond stating that it may result in a small , clinical ly insignificant increase in haemoglobin concentration .
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies , and has a number of physiological manifestations .
Early , or non-anaemic iron deficiency can result in fatigue and diminished exercise capacity .
Oral iron preparations have a high incidence of intolerable side effects , and are ineffective in certain forms of iron deficiency .
Consequently , intravenous iron preparations are increasingly used in the treatment of non-anaemic iron deficiency .
The newer , more stable iron preparations in particular purport to have a lower incidence of side effects , and are now used across a range of different patient population s. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of intravenous iron therapy in the treatment of adults with non-anaemic iron deficiency .