How Bleeding Affects Delirium in Older Adults After Hip Fracture
Official title: The Impact of Bleeding on Delirium Outcomes in Older Patients With Hip Fractures: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial - The IMPROVE-HIP Study
Run by University of Aarhus · NCT06938789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether early detection of bleeding and prompt blood transfusions can lower delirium risk in people 75 and older with hip fractures.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 198 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aarhus, Central Jutland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06938789 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 75 and older with a hip fracture undergoing surgery, who can participate in frequent delirium screening and consent to blood transfusion if needed.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with limitations preventing transfusion, severe dementia with disruptive behavior, or those who decline transfusions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study explores whether early identification of bleeding and rapid red blood cell transfusions reduce delirium after hip fracture surgery in older adults. Participants will have regular blood tests, continuous vital-sign monitoring, and delirium screening every 8 hours for the first 48 hours post-surgery. They will receive transfusions promptly if their hemoglobin falls below a defined threshold, with follow-up assessments at 30 and 90 days to evaluate cognitive function, quality of life, hospital readmissions, and survival. The study compares early diagnosis and treatment of anemia to standard care to determine impact on delirium incidence. Primary setting includes Aarhus University Hospital, Gødstrup Hospital, and related departments in Denmark.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may have a lower risk of delirium and better short-term cognitive and functional outcomes after hip fracture surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in perioperative care supports monitoring for bleeding and transfusion strategies, but this specific early-detection, early-transfusion approach for delirium prevention in this population is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hip fracture Exclusion Criteria: * Pathological hip fracture * Periprosthtic fracture * Unable to speak or understand Danish * Does not wish to recieve blood transfusion * If the investigator finds the patient unable to cooperate to the study (e.g. in case of severe dementia and externalizing behaviour)
Where it's running
-
Gødstrup Hospital, Department of internal medicine
Herning, Central Jutland, Denmark Recruiting -
Aarhus University Hospital
Aarhus, Central Jutland, Denmark Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Johanne Bech, MD
- Email: jobech@clin.au.dk
- Phone: +4578431286
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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.