A RECENT study from a Minnesota statewide health system has revealed concerning data about the persistence of iron deficiency (ID) among patients.
ID is a global health issue with consequences independent of anaemia, including impaired cognition and exercise tolerance. The retrospective analysis, covering the period from 2010–2020, reviewed electronic medical records of 13,084 patients diagnosed with ID, defined by ferritin levels below 25 ng/mL. Descriptive statistics and time-to-event analyses were used to determine proportion of ID resolution and time to resolution.
Results showed that only 41.9% of patients achieved resolution of their iron deficiency, defined as ferritin levels above 50 ng/mL, within 3 years of diagnosis. The median time to resolution was 1.9 years, with 58.1% of patients showing no resolution within 3 years of their diagnosis.
The study also identified several factors influencing the likelihood of ID resolution. Older patients, aged 60 years and above, were significantly more likely to achieve resolution (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.44–1.69), as were males (aHR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.48–1.70), and those treated with intravenous iron (aHR: 2.96; 95% CI: 2.66–3.30). However, the data also revealed that Black patients and females were less likely to experience resolution compared to other groups. Black individuals, in particular, had a 27% lower likelihood of resolving their ID (95% CI: 0.66–0.80).
The study underlines the need for increased awareness and improved diagnostic and treatment strategies, particularly for non-anaemic ID. The prolonged time to resolution and high proportion of unresolved cases point to gaps in both diagnosis and treatment, with the authors calling for targeted interventions. They stress the importance of focusing on high-risk groups, including females and Black individuals, to ensure timely and effective management of ID.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
Cogan JC et al. Iron deficiency resolution and time to resolution in an American health system. Blood Adv. 2024;DOI:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013197.
