INTRAVENOUS ASCORBIC ACID IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY

BACKGROUND: Functional iron deficiency may develop and cause recombinant human erytropoietin (rHuEpo) resistance in hemodialysis patients (HD) with iron overload. The aim of this study was to show the effects of intravenous ascorbic acid on functional iron deficiency in HD.

PATIENTS and METHODS: Thirty-four HD patients with serum ferritin>500pg/l, transferin saturation (TS) <% 20 and hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl were randomly divided into two groups. In group I patients (n-16) did not receive any adjuvant therapy. In group II patient (n=18) intravenous ascorbic acid 500 mg was administered three times a week for 12 weeks.

RESULTS: All patient completed the study. The mean values ofHb, Hct, TS, and ferritin remained unchanged in group I after 12 weeks. Mean values ofHb, Hct, and TS significantly increased (basaline vs 12 weeks, Hb 9.2+0.3 g/dl vs 10.8+O.3 g/dl, Hct 27.6+0.9% vs 32+0.6%, TS 17.3+1.2% vs 29.9±1.3% respectively p<0.001) in group II after 12 weeks; ferritin fell significantly from 866± 245 μ/l vs 646± 219 ^l (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: In this study, 300 mg intravenous ascorbic acid therapy on functional iron deficiency in HD patients was effectively.