The aim of this study was to evaluate the use, safety and efficacy of intravenous iron administration in the nephrology outpatient consulting room in patients not under dialysis.
Patients receiving intravenous sucrose iron (Venofer<sup>庐sup>) in the nephrology outpatient consulting room from January 2006 to March 2008 were included. Demographic data, iron dosages, treatment length and reasons for finishing the treatment were recorded.
Sixty-three patients were included (2/3 males). A total of 119 dosage schedules were registered (81%of patients had 鈮?2 dosages). The most frequent amounts per dose were one ampoule (66%), two ampoules (33%) and a half ampoule (1%). The frequency of administration ranged between each week and every 4 months, while the most common frequency was monthly. Ferritin levels increased significantly (82.3 卤 83.5 vs. 217 卤 159.7 鈥?paired t-test; p < 0.001). At the end of the study, 28 patients continued to receive the treatment, while 14 had started on dialysis. No serious adverse effects were detected.
Intravenous iron administration in the nephrology outpatient consulting room is safe and effective.