Evaluating hemoglobin levels and bleeding risk in leukemia patients

Biomarkers in Patients With Anemia-Induced Thrombocytopenic Bleeding (BAIT): A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional McMaster University · NCT06947044

This study is testing how different hemoglobin levels affect bleeding risk in people with acute leukemia to see which red blood cell transfusion strategy works better for their care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06947044 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates how varying hemoglobin levels affect blood biomarkers associated with bleeding in patients with acute leukemia. It compares two red blood cell transfusion strategies: one that maintains hemoglobin levels above the standard threshold and another that aims for levels closer to normal. The study also assesses the feasibility of conducting a larger clinical trial based on the preliminary findings. By understanding the relationship between hemoglobin levels and bleeding risk, the study aims to improve patient care in leukemia treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia who are currently hospitalized and have low hemoglobin levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling to receive blood transfusions or have a life expectancy of less than 72 hours may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved transfusion strategies that reduce bleeding risks in leukemia patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of leukemia, similar studies in other conditions have shown promising results regarding the impact of hemoglobin levels on bleeding risk.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 years old.
2. Inpatient
3. Diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia.
4. Less than 5 days have elapsed since the start of induction chemotherapy treatment.
5. Hemoglobin at enrolment is under 130 g/L.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Failure to provide informed consent.
2. Unwilling to receive blood transfusions.
3. Life expectancy \<72 hours.
4. Undergoing palliative chemotherapy.
5. Requires specialized blood products (e.g., antigen-matched, irradiation, etc.).
6. Diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia.
7. Diagnosis of hyperleukocytosis (a white blood cell count exceeding 100 × 10\^9/L).
8. Diagnosed with coagulopathies or ongoing treatment with therapeutic anticoagulants, aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (history of inherited or acquired coagulation disorder, known hemolytic disease, INR \> 1.5)
9. Evidence of iron overload (ferritin \>800 ng/mL, transferrin saturation \>80%) .

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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 Acute LeukemiaAcute Myeloid LeukemiaAcute Lymphocytic Leukaemiatransfusionred blood cellshemoglobin levelbleeding
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.