Clinical Implications Of Anemia In Heart Failure (Hf) Patients (Pts)

Abstract Previous studies have shown that anemia is frequently associated with higher morbidity and mortality in HF pts. Our aim was to determine the impact of anemia in pts hospitalized with congestive HF at our hospital. We analyzed data from 277 pts with diagnosis of HF admitted between 1 June 2004 and 31 December 2005, with a follow up of at least 6 months. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) 1.9 mg/dl. Pts with HF were assigned to group A (with anemia) or B (control). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's Chi square, Spearman's rho, Fisher test and Kaplan Meyer survival function. Results: We evaluated 229 (82,7%) pts with a median follow up of 594 days (range: 1–1129 days). Mean age was 68,02 years (median 71, range: 17–91). 143/229 (62,4%) were male. In 75 /229 (32.75%) cases a Hb Conclussions: In our analysis the prevalence of anemia was 33% in pts hospitalized for HF. There was no significant differences among clinical variables between anemic and non-anemic pts. Anemia was associated with worse clinical outcome (Group A pts required more readmissions for HF and other cardiological causes)and all cause mortality. Mean survival was longer in Group B pts.according to Kaplan Meyer analysis. TABLE 1: . RESULTS GROUP A (n=75) GROUP B (n= 154) p Male 42 (56%) 101 (65.5%) Mean age (years) 70.38 (R:20–90) 67.1 (R:17–91) Mean Hb (g/dl) 10.6 14.3 Ischaemic cardiopathy 38(50,6%) 78(50.6%) Non ischaemic cardiopathy 41(54,6%) 78 Arterial hypertension 54(72%) 106(68.8%) Diabetes 24(32%) 33(21.4%) Dislipaemia 35(46.6%) 64(41.5%) Chronic renal insufficiency 18(24%) 19(12.3%) 0.03 Previous ACE inhibitors treatment 25(33%) 71(46%) 0.08 Acute pulmonary edema 12(16%) 15(9.7%) Creatinin concentration > 1.9 mg/dl 16(21.3%) 18 (11.6%) Hospitalization days (mean) 9.6 (R: 1–51) 8.1(R:1–59) Readmission for HF 37 190 0.001 Readmission for other cardiologic causes 20 109 0.017 Readmission for non cardiologic diseases 18 58 Mean survival (days) 499 (R:1–1091) 658 (r=1–1129) 0.166 Global mortality 25 (33%) 32(21%) 0.05 HF related mortality 13 (20.9%) 24 (14.3%) Download : Download high-res image (95KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure