Comparison of intravenous iron sucrose versus low-molecular-weight iron dextran in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Low-molecular-weight iron dextran (CosmoFer) is the only form of parenteral iron that can be administered as a total dose infusion (TDI) in the United Kingdom (UK). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TDI CosmoFer in comparison to intravenous iron sucrose infusion (Venofer) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods And Results: A retrospective study of outpatients with CKD undergoing intravenous TDI CosmoFer or Venofer infusion was conducted at Salford Royal Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. A total of 979 doses of CosmoFer and 504 doses of Venofer were administered. There were three minor adverse events in patients receiving CosmoFer compared with one minor event in a Venofer treated patient. There were no anaphylactoid-type reactions in either group. Serum haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) improved significantly 4-6 months postinfusion in both treatment groups.

Conclusion: TDI CosmoFer is an efficacious method of replenishing iron stores in CKD patients in an outpatient setting. Furthermore, TDI CosmoFer is safe and not associated with an increase in adverse events compared to Venofer.