This is an archive article published on February 9, 2019

Iron supplementation helps in improving mortality in ‘blue babies’ and adults: Study

As per the study, this will have vast impact in decreasing the morbidity and mortality in children and adults suffering from cyanotic congenital heart diseases.

3 min readChandigarhFeb 9, 2019 08:25 AM IST

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The research conducted by Dr Sabari Krishnan, under the guidance of Professor Yash Paul Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Advanced Cardiac Centre, and PGIMER has also been presented in the conference of Cardiology Society of India (CSI) held in Mumbai recently. (Source: Getty Images/ Thinkstock)

IRON SUPPLEMENTATION has helped in improving the mortality in “blue babies” and adults diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease, a first-of-its kind study conducted by PGI cardiology department has found. This disease causes low levels of oxygen in the blood and patients’ skin, fingers and lips have a bluish tinge.

As per the study, this will have vast impact in decreasing the morbidity and mortality in children and adults suffering from cyanotic congenital heart diseases.

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Dr Sharma told Chandigarh Newsline, “Worldwide, there is a theory that such ‘blue babies’ or adults should not be given iron as they already have it in excess. Basically, it is the first study which will change the perception of practioners that patients who are blue (cyanotic) are iron- overloaded. Our research has proved that giving them iron, be it oral or IV iron, has rather improved oxygen level in the blood and thus the functional outcome.”

In these patients, there is a huge amount of shortness of breath and they cannot walk longer distances, like within two minutes of walking, they will experience fatigue and shortness of breath. They are also prone to stroke. But after the study, it was found that these patients could walk for longer than six minutes as well after they were given iron supplementation.

As many as 28 acute children and adults with cyanotic heart disease were studied. They were also made to take six-minute walk test.

Among these 28 patients, there were 15 males (53.6%) and 13 females (46.4%). Iron deficiency was found in 21.4% patients and they were treated with IV iron. The rest of the patients were treated with oral iron. Patients showed significant improvement in the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, SpO2 at rest, Serum ferritin and 6 minute walk distance in a period of three months, the research found.

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No allergic reactions were noted during IV iron infusion. Both oral and IV iron can be used for the treatment for iron deficiency anemia in patients with cyanotic heart disease. Among oral and IV iron, IV iron is best for the treatment of iron deficiency.

“Iron deficiency in cyanotic heart disease is a risk factor for cerebrovascular accident, brain abscess, stroke hrombosis in lung and other organs. Hence the iron deficiency is associated with adverse outcome in patients with cyanotic heart disease,” Professor Yashpaul added.

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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