Cyanotic congenital heart disease viscosity and evaluatıon of ıron defıcıency ın children

Secondary erythrocytosis is seen in cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) patients which leads Hb and Hct levels to be above the expected values. Iron consumption is increased as a natural result of secondary erythrocytosis. Iron deficiency is a common problem and supplementation is frequently recommended during follow-up. Levels of Hb and Hct also increases with iron replacement therapy and hyperviscosity, one of the most importatnt clinical problems of CCHD is directly related with elevated Hb and Hct levels. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of iren supplementation on viscosity in CCHD. Thirty nine CCHD patients 20 girls (51 %) and 19 boys (49%), followed up in Gazi University Department of Pediatric Cardiology with mean age 9,9 ± 6,2 years and mean wight 39 33 ± 18,4 kg were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to their ferritine levels as iron deficient and non-iron deficient, and 4 mg/kg/day Fe +2 therapy was applied for 3 months. Non-iron deficient group were not given any therapy. Clinical and laboratory findings of both groups at the beginning of the study and after 3 months were evaluated and viscosity measurements were performed. Iron deficiency was detected in 21 out of 39 patients (53,8 %) and a correlation was found between iron deficiency, low MCH-MCV and high RDW values. Although Hb and Hct levels increased after 3 month therapy, no increase in viscosity was detected. Hyperviscosity symptoms decreased after iron supplementation and average oxygen values of patients have increased. This study showed iron replacement therapy is essential anf safe in pediatric CCHD. Follow up after 3 months of non-iron deficient group showed signifiicant decrease in Hb, Hct and ferritine levels although iron deficiency anemia did not occur. This situation supports the importance of iron supplementation in CCHD.