Role of Iron Deficiency among Non -Anemic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Center at Rajasthan

Background and Objectives: Iron deficiency without anemia has been well-documented in heart failure, but its impact on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains underexplored. The association of iron deficiency with disease severity, functional status, and quality of life in COPD warrants further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between iron deficiency and clinical outcomes in non-anemic COPD patients, comparing disease severity, functional status, and quality of life between iron-deficient and iron-replete groups. This observational, cross-sectional study included non-anemic COPD patients with no history of bleeding. Participants were classified into iron-deficient (ID) and iron-replete (IR) groups based on serum iron, ferritin, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) levels. Clinical assessments included 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), spirometry and Exacerbation. Demographic data, smoking history, and hemoglobin levels were also recorded. Materials and Methods: 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were enrolled at the Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Data on demographic, clinical, Hematological and spirometry parameters were collected. Statistical analysis for qualitative data were done by applying chi square test whereas quantitative data were done by applying ‘t’ test. Data were collected and compiled with the help of MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 25.A p-value of <0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Iron-deficient individuals had significantly lower hemoglobin and iron levels, and higher TIBC compared to non-iron-deficient counterparts. Notably, NAID is associated with more severe grades of COPD, lower 6-minute walk distances and higher exacerbation rates, although no significant differences were observed in other respiratory parameters. These findings suggest that iron deficiency may contribute to the clinical severity of COPD and support the need for further research into the potential therapeutic benefits of addressing iron deficiency in this population.