Extra daily iron after sleeve gastrectomy to prevent anemia

Prophylactic Oral Iron Supplementation for the Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study

This study tests whether taking an extra daily iron pill plus a multivitamin prevents iron deficiency anemia in adults during the six months after sleeve gastrectomy compared with taking a multivitamin alone.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 66 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo)
• Trial ID: NCT07397572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective observational cohort study at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital, Cairo University, compares two routine post-operative supplement strategies in adults undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. One cohort receives prophylactic daily elemental iron (Ferrodep 60 mg) in addition to a standard multivitamin, while the other cohort receives only a standard multivitamin (Centrum Silver), with cohort assignment determined by the treating surgical unit's usual practice. Iron indices and anemia status are measured before surgery and at 3 and 6 months post-operatively as part of routine care, and health and quality-of-life information are collected during follow-up visits. The primary outcome is the incidence of iron deficiency anemia within six months after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 to 65 scheduled for primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy who can provide informed consent and attend the 3- and 6-month follow-up visits are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with prior major gastrointestinal surgery, known malabsorptive conditions, or other non-iron anemias (e.g., thalassemia, B12/folate deficiency) are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, routine prophylactic oral iron could reduce rates of post-operative iron deficiency anemia and improve quality of life after sleeve gastrectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows iron deficiency is common after sleeve gastrectomy, but direct comparative data on routine prophylactic iron versus multivitamin-only approaches are limited and inconclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 65 years scheduled to undergo primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
* Capable of understanding and providing written informed consent for participation.
* Able and willing to commit to the 6-month post-operative follow-up schedule at the bariatric clinic.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior history of major gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., bowel resection, gastrectomy) that could independently affect iron absorption.
* Pre-existing malabsorptive conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease).
* Diagnosis of other known forms of anemia (e.g., thalassemia, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, anemia of chronic disease) that would confound the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
* Any condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would interfere with full participation in the study or pose a significant risk.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo

• Faculty of Medicine Cairo University — Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Aziz — Cairo University
• Study coordinator: Ahmed Eid Aziz, Lecturer

Conditions: Iron Deficiency Anemia, Obesity, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Bariatric Surgery, Iron Supplementation, Multivitamin, Morbid Obesity