Evaluating Red Blood Cell Transfusion in ECMO Patients
Official title: Red Blood Cell Transfusion in ECMO - A Feasibility Trial
Run by Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre · NCT05814094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to find the best hemoglobin levels for red blood cell transfusions in critically ill patients on ECMO to improve their care and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Camperdown, New South Wales and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 20, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05814094 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older who are currently receiving ECMO treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to RBC transfusion or those whose ECMO treatment is expected to cease shortly may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the feasibility of different red blood cell (RBC) transfusion triggers in patients receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), a life-support technique for critically ill patients. It aims to determine the optimal hemoglobin (Hb) levels for transfusion that balance the risks of anemia against the potential complications of transfusions. The study will assess how low Hb levels can be tolerated in ECMO patients, who have unique physiological needs and higher risks compared to the general critically ill population. By establishing safe transfusion thresholds, the trial seeks to improve patient outcomes and guide clinical practice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer transfusion practices and improved outcomes for critically ill patients on ECMO.
How similar studies have gone: While other studies have explored transfusion strategies in critically ill patients, this specific approach in the ECMO cohort is novel and has not been previously tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients receiving ECMO * Age: 18 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to RBC transfusion (including known patient preference) * Limitations of care put in place either through patient wishes or the treating medical teams * ECMO treatment for more than 12 hours. The start of ECMO is defined as the time of initiation of extracorporeal blood flow unless ECMO was initiated during a surgical intervention in which case the start is defined as the arrival time into the initial ICU. * The treating physician anticipates that ECMO treatment will cease before the end of tomorrow * Where the treating physician deems the study is not in the patient's best interest * Where the treating physician has concern regarding patient ability to tolerate restrictive or liberal transfusion trigger thresholds * Patients actively listed for a solid organ transplant * Patients who are suspected or confirmed to be pregnant * Previous ECMO treatment during the same hospital admission
Where it's running
-
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting -
St Vincent's Health Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hergen Buscher, MBBS — St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
- Study coordinator: Curtis Hopkins, B.BioMed, MPH, MHA
- Email: anzicrc@monash.edu
- Phone: +61 3 9903 0343
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.