Intravenous Iron in Patients Hospitalized with Bacterial Infections: Utilization and Outcomes

Authors

Nicolette Centanni, Maine Medical Center Pharmacy, Portland, MaineFollow
Jennifer Hammond, Baystate Medical Center Pharmacy, Springfield, MassachusettsFollow
Joshua Carver, Portsmouth Regional Hospital Pharmacy, Portsmouth, New HampshireFollow
Wendy Craig, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, MaineFollow
Stephanie Nichols, Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, Westbrook, MaineFollow

Submission Type

Original Research

Abstract

Introduction: Given the uncertainties with IV iron therapy and potential risk of infection, there may be hesitation to treat hospitalized patients with bacterial infections with this preparation even if clinically indicated. The aim of this study was to examine patterns of prescribing IV iron in hospitalized patients being treated for a bacterial infection and associated clinical outcomes in those with severe infections.

Methods: This retrospective chart review evaluated adult patients who received both IV iron sucrose and antibiotics during the same admission at Maine Medical Center during 2019. Data collected included iron studies and IV iron prescribing practices. Clinical outcomes were collected on patients with severe infections. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 202 patients were evaluated. The median duration of antibiotic therapy was 5 (4-9) days. There was overlap between iron and antibiotic administration in 153 (75.7%) patients with a mean overlap duration of 2.7 (1-7) days. In the 49 instances without overlap, 20 (41%) received IV iron before antibiotics. 20 (10%) patients had a severe infection, the majority (75%) of patients with severe infection had antibiotic and iron overlap and no patients had new MRSA colonization. Two patients with severe infection died during hospitalization and two were readmitted within 30 days of discharge.

Conclusion: This study shows that IV iron is frequently prescribed in patients in the setting of acute bacterial infection in our facility. Patients with severe infection did not appear to have negative outcomes when overlap existed between antibiotics and IV iron.

Recommended Citation

Centanni, Nicolette; Hammond, Jennifer; Carver, Joshua; Craig, Wendy; and Nichols, Stephanie (2024) "Intravenous Iron in Patients Hospitalized with Bacterial Infections: Utilization and Outcomes," Journal of Maine Medical Center: Vol. 6 : Iss. 2 , Article 1.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.46804/2641-2225.1176