Ponikowski P, Kirwan BA, Anker SD, et al. - By performing a multicentre, double-blind, randomised trial (AFFIRM-AHF), researchers sought to determine how ferric carboxymaltose vs placebo could impact outcomes in patients who were stabilised following an episode of acute heart failure. This study was conducted at 121 sites in Europe, South America, and Singapore. Eligibility criteria involved: patients aged 18 years or older, hospitalised for acute heart failure with concomitant iron deficiency, and having a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50%. Prior to hospital discharge, participants were randomized (1:1) to receive intravenous ferric carboxymaltose or placebo for up to 24 weeks, dosed as per the extent of iron deficiency. Findings showed the safety as well as the efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose treatment in decreasing the risk of heart failure hospitalisations, with no apparent impact on the risk of cardiovascular mortality, in patients with iron deficiency, a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50%, and who were stabilised following an episode of acute heart failure.