Introduction:
Iron overload is a significant complication in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Accurately assessing hepatic and cardiac iron levels is crucial for preventing related complications. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides a non-invasive method to quantify iron overload in these patients. This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of hepatic and cardiac iron overload in HD patients in Qatar and evaluate the correlation between iron biomarkers and MRI findings over a 12-month follow-up.
Methods:
This study will employ a prospective cohort design to estimate the prevalence of iron overload at baseline and assess its progression. The study population includes ESRD patients aged ≥18 years undergoing regular HD in Qatar. MRI will be utilized to quantify hepatic and cardiac iron content at baseline and 12 months. Additionally, cumulative intravenous (IV) iron dosage and iron biomarkers (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, etc.) will be tracked. Relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and iron overload will also be explored.
Results:
The prevalence of mild to severe hepatic and cardiac iron overload is anticipated to be significant among HD patients, with a strong association between cumulative IV iron therapy dosage and iron overload. The study is also expected to find distinct growth trajectories in iron biomarkers correlating with MRI findings. The diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers for detecting iron overload is likely to be validated against MRI results.
Conclusions:
The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the prevalence and progression of iron overload in HD patients and inform clinical practices for managing iron-related complications. The correlation between iron biomarkers and MRI findings may enhance early detection and intervention strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I used generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.
During the preparation of this work, the authors used ChatGPT to assist with refining the abstract for clarity and structure. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and took (s) full responsibility for the publication's content.