title: Intravenous iron administration is associated with reduced platelet counts in patients with chronic kidney disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the management of anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), optimal use of intravenous (i.v.) iron has a central role. It minimizes reliance on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and may be beneficial in reducing overall cardiovascular risks through its effects on platelet counts (PLT). We have examined the effects of i.v. iron on PLT in patients with CKD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and three patients with CKD, referred to a single teaching hospital in UK for i.v. iron therapy, received low molecular-weight iron dextran at a median dose of 1000 milligrams given over a median time of 2 h and 40 min. PLT at baseline were compared with the measurements taken during a 4-month follow-up period post-infusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PLT were checked at various points following i.v. iron treatment. Compared with baseline, mean reduction in PLT ranged between 10.1 and 23.6 (×10(9) /L) during consecutive 15-days intervals post-treatment. At the reference point of 90-days post-infusion, the drop in PLT was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low molecular-weight iron dextran in patients with CKD leads to reduction in PLT. This reduction appears soon after treatment and is maximal after 3 months. Prospective data are required to confirm these findings and examine whether this translates to a reduction in thrombotic episodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Renal of Medicine, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston-upon-Hull, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hazara
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhandari
mesh_terms: D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000379:methods; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007501:Iron
keywords: chronic kidney disease; iron; platelet; renal anaemia