CHANGES IN LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY WITHIN 6 MONTHS AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract. Introduction. According to the scarce data available, iron deficiency is a risk factor of worse prognosis for coronary artery disease, in particular, myocardial infarction. Aim. To study left ventricular systolic function by assessing the left ventricular ejection fraction and total wall motion score index in patients with iron deficiency being corrected and with normal iron status within 6 months after myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods. We included in the study 86 patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 comprised 40 (46%) patients with iron deficiency, and group 2 consisted of 46 (54%) patients without iron deficiency. In case of iron deficiency, patients underwent correctional therapy. Echocardiography was performed within 24 hours and 6 months after myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and nonparametric criteria. Results and Discussion. According to echocardiographic findings, we found a statistically significant increase in the median of left ventricular ejection fraction after 6 months as compared to the baseline in group 1 patients. Left ventricular ejec- tion fraction median was 54% (46 – 58) after 6 months, as compared to the baseline of 50% (45-54), (p<0.001). In group 2, left ventricular ejection fraction did not change. In group 1, wall motion score index was 1.19 (1.00-1.55) after 6 months, which was significantly lower than the baseline: 1.25 (1.13-1.63) (p<0.001), respectively. Patients in group 2 had no change in the wall motion score index after 6 months. We observed a reduction in wall motion score index value in 19 patients in group 1 (47%) within 6 months after myocardial infarction. In group 2, only 11 patients (24%) manifested a decrease in wall motion score index (RR 3.06, 95% CI: 1.06 - 8.87) (p=0.007). Conclusion. Correction of iron deficiency is associated with increased left ventricular systolic function within 6 months after myocardial infarction.