Intravenous iron infusion

Intravenous (IV) iron infusion is a therapy in which a combination of iron and saline solution is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein, in patients suffering iron deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and chronic kidney disease. IV iron infusions are recommended when oral iron supplementation fails to adequately restore iron and haemoglobin levels in the blood. The intravenous method is a fast and effective way of delivering iron throughout the body, and is used because iron can be administered instantly rather than gradually over time.

History

IV iron infusions first came about in the early twentieth century. The earliest intravenous iron solution was ferric hydroxide. Treatment was only recommended in extreme conditions due to its association with toxicity.Auerbach, M., Ballard, H. (2010). ‘Clinical Use of Intravenous Iron: Administration, Efficacy, and Safety,’ ASH Education Book, vol. 2010, pp. 338-347 Ferric hydroxide was identified as toxic because it was found to release free bioactive iron when injected intravenously, increasing risk of infection.

Further research led to the development of iron saccharide in 1947. Testing concluded iron saccharide to be safer and more effective for anaemic patients seeking a IV infusion. Later, in 1954 the use of iron dextran became popular and a product called Imferon emerged. Release of free bioactive iron was minimised by covering the iron oxide core in large dextran molecules. Patients responded well to Imferon, a rapid increase in haemoglobin and iron levels was observed and researchers saw a low incident of side effects compared to previous iron solutions. Large dextran molecules did however have a connection to anaphylaxis. As such an infusion of Imferon was not recommended to patients with a history of allergic reactions, and a test dose was required for all other patients undergoing treatment.Bonnar, J. (1966). ‘Treatment of Iron Deficiency,’ The Lancet, vol. 287, pp. 320   

In 1980 a study was completed in the United States on the clinical use of intravenous iron infusions. Four hundred and seventy-one patients with iron deficiency were treated with IV iron infusions at varying doses. Three patients suffered anaphylactic reactions such as drop in blood pressure, discolouration of the skin, shortness of breath and fainting. Researchers concluded that IV infusions should only be used in circumstances were oral iron supplements could not be taken.

Products such as Imferon, which contained high molecule weight iron dextran, were the only IV iron products available until the 1990s. Although uncommon adverse reaction did occur, as such packaging informed users of the possible reactions and highly recommended completing a test dose before further treatment. In 1991 a worldwide recall of high molecule weight iron dextran was enforced after a contaminated batch was leaked. In 1992 it was removed from the market and manufacturing ceased. During this time low molecular weight iron dextran was introduced and released for clinical use in 1992. The use of low molecule weight iron dextran was common place for renal dialysis patients and due to its success usage increased progressively through to 1997.

In 1999, a new compound ferric gluconate was introduced in the form of Ferrlecit.Auerbach, M. Rodgers, G. (2007). ‘Intravenous Iron,’ The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 357, pp. 93-94 Ferric gluconate was determined to be a safer alternative to iron dextran products with lower rates of serious adverse effects. Iron dextran attributed to at least thirty-one deaths across the United States and Europe, ferric gluconate had no casualty rates. In November 2000, iron sucrose was introduced in the United States after it has been long used in Europe Similar to ferric gluconate, iron sucrose did not require a dextran coat thus minimising risk associated with anaphylaxis. Progressively over time intravenous iron infusions have begun to play a significantly role in the treatment of anaemia specifically in the fields of hematology and oncology.

In recent years, three new IV iron compounds have been released. These include, Ferrinject, Iron Isomaltoside and Ferumoxytol. All three of these forms of iron can be injected intravenously restoring blood and iron levels in less than fifteen minutes.

Medical use

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies affecting up to two billion people worldwide.Camaschella, C. (2015). ‘Iron deficiency: new insights into diagnosis and treatment,’ ASH Education Book, vol. 2015, pp. 8-13 Iron deficiency commonly occurs in patients suffering chronic infection. Intravenous iron infusions are used to treat patients with iron deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and chronic kidney disease. IV iron infusions are administered to patients who cannot use oral supplementation to treat their deficiency, or if oral treatment has proven ineffective.Dillon, M., Michael, S. (2018). ‘Preoperative intravenous iron as a key component of ERAS: Implementation at a large academic medical center,’ Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, vol. 25, pp.180

Oral iron supplementations are the first line of care for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemic patients are treated with iron tablets containing 100 mg to 200 mg of iron. Oral iron tablets are not easily tolerated and may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea. The oxidative properties of iron conflict with the gastrointestinal tract prohibiting proper absorption of iron into the blood. Disorders affecting the gut lead to resistance against oral supplements. Side effects of constipation or diarrhoea are more common with the use of oral iron than intravenous iron. The adverse effects associated with oral iron supplements prohibit patients from completing the full course of medication.Smith-Wade, S. Kidson-Gerber, G. Henry, A (2018). ‘Assessing the feasibility of a first line oral versus intravenous iron RCT in pregnancy,’ Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 54, pp. 47

Intravenous iron infusions are prescribed when gastrointestinal absorption is poor or when an urgent increase in haemoglobin levels is required for severely anaemic patients, such as women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. Iron deficiency anaemia effects forty-two percent of pregnant women.Govindappagari, S. Burwick, R. (2018). ‘Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy with intravenous versus oral iron: meta-analysis of RCTs,’ Obstetrics and Gynaecology, vol.131, pp. 3-4 Intravenous iron infusions are a form of treatment for pregnant women that ensures a fast and early recovery. Pregnant women are more likely to successfully replenish iron stores and increase their haemoglobin levels with intravenous iron compared to oral iron supplements. Recovery is reached faster and with fewer side effects than oral iron. Intravenous iron is proven to be very effective for pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia but not necessarily more effective than oral supplements for those with iron deficiency alone.

The type of iron supplement used depends on the patient's specific condition. The degree and severity of anaemia, tolerability to previous treatment and history of allergy must all be considered before intravenous iron is administered. Correction of iron deficiency with oral iron supplements is particularly ineffective when a patient suffers from a coexisting medical condition.Litton, E. Xiao, J. (2013). ‘Safety and efficacy of intravenous iron therapy in reducing requirement of allogenic blood transfusion: systematic review of meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials,’ British Medical Journal, vol. 347, pp.1-10 Intravenous iron therapy has an established role in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia when oral supplements are ineffective or cannot be used. IV iron infusions can administer the exact dose of iron to normalise levels in the blood. Pre-operative anaemia is associated with high risk of death. Intravenous iron infusions can optimise haemoglobin levels, significantly reducing mortality rates. IV iron is found to be highly effective for patients with chronic kidney disease when combined with erythropoiesis stimulating agents. Recent studies of iron and its associated with red blood cells has increased interest in the use and development of intravenous iron therapy to reduce the requirement for allogenic red blood cell transfusions. These findings show that intravenous iron has a broad use to many patients where anaemia is an underlying issue.

Administration

Intravenous therapy is a type of parenteral medication. IV iron infusion is a method of delivering a mixed solution of iron and saline from a drip through a needle directly into the vein and bloodstream.The Royal Women’s Hospital, ‘Iron Infusions,’ (2018 July), Retrieved from https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Iron-Infusion-0718.pdf    The procedure takes place in a medical clinic and may take several hours depending on the iron preparation that has been prescribed. The patient will receive infusions over the course of several visits until iron stores have been fully replenished. 

Patients temperature, blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate are monitored constantly for signs of immediate hypersensitivity during and thirty minutes after treatment. Adverse reactions can be reduced further by premedication, antihistamines and test dosages. Blood tests are taken two to four weeks post treatment, to assess if iron stores have been successfully replenished.

Current available intravenous iron preparations

There are five types of iron compounds used for IV iron infusion. The iron preparation used is chosen to specifically match the patient's individual needs. Each treatment differs in the duration of their administration, the approved dosage and the concentration of iron.

Venofer is used for iron deficiency and anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. DexFerrum, INFeD and Ferinject are iron preparations prescribed to patients who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements or if oral iron has proven ineffective in replenishing iron levels in the blood. Feraheme is used for both patients who found oral administration to be ineffective and to treat anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Monofer is prescribed to patients who require an urgent and rapid build-up of iron stores and haemoglobin in the blood.

Adverse effects

Hypersensitivity

Some iron preparations can trigger anaphylaxis in patients with certain allergies. Serious hypersensitivity including anaphylactic reactions have been reported with the use of high molecular weight iron dextran for intravenous iron infusions. The use of high molecular weight iron dextran has now been abandoned. Patients using Venofer for iron deficiency and anaemia in chronic kidney disease have reported experiences of hypotension, shock and loss of consciousness. Newer preparations have largely alleviated any association with anaphylaxis. The risk of hypersensitivity with the use of iron sucrose being one in five thousand. Medicines are prescribed to patients who have experienced hypersensitive reactions to IV iron infusions in the past to prevent this from reoccurring.The Royal Women’s Hospital, ‘Iron Infusions,’ (2018 July), Retrieved from https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Iron-Infusion-0718.pdf Simple recommendations to minimise the risk is slow administration accompanied by careful patient monitoring during and after the infusion.

Infection

Any form of intravenous infusion carries the risk of infection. Risk is heightened when the equipment being used is not properly sterilised. In intravenous iron infusions, free iron has been shown to potentiate bacterial growth. Evidence associated with intravenous iron therapy and infection is inconclusive. Newer intravenous iron preparations with low free iron concentrations limit the potential risk of infection. It is advised that iron preparations with high free iron concentrations are avoided.

Cutaneous reactions

Intravenous iron infusions can cause skin rash, hives, itchiness and flush. Skin staining and discolouration can occur at the site of infusion if the iron and saline solution leaks outside the vein into the surrounding tissue. Skin discolouration can be semi-permanent or permanent.

Hypothermia

Patients are at risk of hypothermia since large amounts of cold fluid are being infused directly into the bloodstream at a rapid rate. This dramatic change in temperature may prompt other side effects such as chest pain, irregular breathing and muscles aches and pains.

Myalgia

Patients may experience pains and aches of the muscles, specifically in areas near the spine. Myalgia side effects can occur up to one or two days after the treatment takes place.

Hypophosphatemia

IV iron infusions can induce hypophosphatemia by raising plasma levels of the phosphaturic hormone FGF-23. Such reactions more often occur after iron carboxymaltose than after other i. v. iron compounds.

Asthmatic reactions

IV iron infusions can trigger dyspnoea, wheezing and chest pain in patients who suffer from asthma.

Gastrointestinal reactions

IV infusions can bring on nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or cramps and vomiting.

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