Researcher(s)
- Elizabeth Stoecker, Nursing, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Christine Hoch, Nursing, University of Delaware
Abstract
Background. Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom of heart failure, associated with poor quality of life and increased mortality. Iron deficiency, regardless of anemia status, is common in heart failure and may contribute to fatigue. However, a dearth of literature exists using multidimensional fatigue measures capable of capturing its full complexity.
Research Question. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine associations between iron indices: iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and general fatigue, fatigue severity, and fatigue interference in adults with heart failure.
Methods. This secondary analysis used cross-sectional pilot data examining mechanisms underlying fatigue in adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Participants were grouped by presence or absence of iron deficiency defined as a ferritin less than 100 ng/mL or a ferritin of 100-299 ng/mL with a transferrin saturation of <20%. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (general fatigue) and the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (severity and interference). Descriptive statistics summarized sample characteristics, and Spearman’s rank-order correlations examined associations between fatigue dimensions and iron indices.
Results. The sample included 20 participants (50% male; mean age 63.2 years), of whom 11 (55%) met criteria for iron deficiency. Participants with iron deficiency reported higher general fatigue, fatigue severity, and fatigue interference than those without, though differences were not statistically significant. No significant correlations were found between fatigue dimensions and iron indices.
Discussion/Future Work. This is among the first studies to examine the association between iron deficiency and multiple dimensions of fatigue. Although not statistically different, fatigue was numerically higher among participants with iron deficiency, suggesting a possible association warranting further investigation. Larger, adequately powered studies are needed to determine whether these observed differences reflect a true association.