Abstract:

Introduction: Our aim was to compare NT-proBNP levels and cardiac functions after iron therapy in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease who had iron deficiency anemia. Materials and Methods: We included 40 children with pre-established cyanotic congenital heart disease and accompanying iron deficiency anemia, between the age of 6 months and 17 years, who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Cardiology between September 2015 and March 2016. We recorded demographic data and performed following investigations: complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, reticulocyte count, measurement of serum iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin levels, transferrin saturation and NT-proBNP levels, and echocardiographic examination. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in following laboratory parameters after iron therapy: hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, serum iron and ferritin, transferrin saturation and oxygen saturation. During the follow-up period, RDW and NT-proBNP levels were significantly decreased. In left ventricular tissue doppler; there was a significant difference in MPI measurements before and after treatment. There was no significant difference in other echocardiography findings. Conclusion: Iron therapy has improved cardiac functions in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease, and NT-proBNP levels can be used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in the follow-up period.

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