Abstract 13729: Iron Deficiency, Determined by Absence of Iron in the Bone Marrow, is the most Common Cause of Anemia in Heart Failure, Irrespective of Disease Severity

Background: Anemia is a major co-morbidity in heart failure (HF) with adverse prognostic implications, however its etiology remains controversial. Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in advanced stages, but its importance in less symptomatic patients remains uncertain. In the present study we investigated anemia etiology in HF using a thorough array of laboratory tests, including bone marrow aspiration. Methods: Ninety four consecutive patients (age 59±12 yrs) with HF and anemia were enrolled. Anemia was defined as a haemoglobin (Hb) concentration < 12g/dl in men and 3 mg/dl or with diseases known to cause anemia were excluded. All patients underwent bone marrow aspiration for iron store assessment, serum iron and ferritin determination and if those tests were inconclusive, red blood cell mass measurement with 51Cr . Results: Mean serum Hb was 10.8±0.9gr/dl for the whole cohort. Hb was 11.5±0.7gr/dl , 11±1 gr/dl and 10±0.9gr/dl in NYHA II, III and IV patients, respectively. Iron deficiency (confirmed by b...