Comparing individualized and conventional blood transfusion strategies during ECMO for heart failure

Comparison of an Individualized Transfusion Strategy to a Conventional Strategy in Patients Undergoing Peripheral Veno-arterial ECMO for Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: a Randomized Controlled Trial - ICONE

Phase 1 Interventional University Hospital, Lille · NCT05699005

This study is testing whether a personalized blood transfusion approach during heart support treatment can help patients use less blood and have better outcomes compared to the standard method.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment238 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille, Nord)
Trial IDNCT05699005 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to compare two strategies for red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) due to refractory cardiogenic shock. One strategy is individualized based on ScVO2 levels, while the other follows a conventional approach based on predefined hemoglobin thresholds. The primary endpoint is the amount of packed red blood cells consumed, with secondary endpoints including mortality, morbidity, and cost-effectiveness. The study seeks to address the high consumption of blood products and associated complications in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are supported by peripheral VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock and have a life expectancy greater than 90 days.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lack health insurance, oppose blood transfusions, or have specific medical conditions such as congenital hemoglobin disorders will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and safer transfusion practices for patients on VA-ECMO, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited consensus on transfusion strategies in this specific population, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of individualized approaches, suggesting this study could provide valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 18 and older,
* supported by peripheral VA-ECMO
* for cardiogenic shock
* Life expentency \>90 days
* Central venous line available ScVO2 measurement

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy,
* Lack of health insurance,
* Opposition to blood transfusion,
* Known congenital hemoglobin disease or disorder,
* Metabolic alcaloosis with pH\>7.8,
* eCPR,
* Legally incapacitated adults

Where this trial is running

Lille, Nord

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiogenic ShockExtracorporeal Membrane OxygenationTransfusion Related ComplicationAnemiaOxygen DeliveryECMOECLSRefractory cardiogenic shock
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.