The Efficacy of Ferumoxytol for Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Acta Haematol. 2019;142(3):125-131. doi: 10.1159/000498937. Epub 2019 Aug 21.

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the influence of ferumoxytol versus placebo on iron deficiency anemia.

Methods: We search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ferumoxytol on iron deficiency anemia on PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effects model.

Results: Four RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group for iron deficiency anemia, intravenous ferumoxytol can significantly improve the proportion of patients with a ≥20 g/L hemoglobin (Hb) increase (RR = 18.43; 95% CI = 7.29-46.57; p < 0.00001), the proportion of patients with an Hb level ≥120 g/L (RR = 18.55; 95% CI = 8.66-39.72; p < 0.00001), transferrin saturation (mean difference = 11.08; 95% CI = 9.86-12.31; p < 0.00001) and FACIT-fatigue score (mean difference = 4.60; 95% CI = 3.21-6.00; p < 0.00001), but has no remarkable influence on adverse events (RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.84-2.10; p = 0.22), serious adverse events (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.74-2.02; p = 0.44), and death (RR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.05-1.95; p = 0.22).

Conclusions: Intravenous ferumoxytol can provide the important benefits for iron deficiency anemia.

Keywords: Ferumoxytol; Hemoglobin level; Iron deficiency anemia; Meta-analysis; Randomized controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / blood
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / drug therapy
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / physiopathology
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / adverse effects
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide / therapeutic use*
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • hemoglobin L
  • Ferrosoferric Oxide