Improving recovery from anemia after intensive care
Anaemia Management With Red Blood Cell Transfusion to Improve Post-intensive Care Disability: a Randomised Controlled Trial (The ABC Post-intensive Care Trial)
This study tests if giving red blood cell transfusions to patients with severe anemia after leaving the ICU can help them recover better than the usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 305 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Edinburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edinburgh) |
| Trial ID | NCT04591574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates whether treating severely anemic patients with red blood cell transfusions after their discharge from intensive care can improve their health outcomes. It compares the current restrictive transfusion approach with a more active regimen aimed at correcting anemia. The study will take place in acute hospitals across the UK, focusing on patients who have recently been discharged from the ICU and have low hemoglobin levels. Eligible participants will be approached for consent during their hospital stay.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 16 and older who have received level 3 ICU care and have a hemoglobin level of 94g/L or lower upon readiness for discharge.
Not a fit: Patients who are actively bleeding, have contraindications to transfusion, or are receiving end-of-life care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery and quality of life for patients who have experienced severe anemia after intensive care.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of post-ICU anemia management, similar transfusion strategies have shown promise in other settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient who received level 3 ICU care at any time point during the current hospital admission (defined as advance respiratory support and/or at least two organ support). * Patient considered ready for discharge from ICU by the caring clinical team. * Hb less than or equal to 94g/L when ready for ICU discharge or during the first seven days following the decision by the treating clinician that the patient is ready for ICU discharge. * 16years of age or older * Patient expected to remain in study hospital until hospital discharge. * Consent provided (by participant or in accordance with appropriate mental capacity legislation for the site). Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication or objection to RBC transfusion * Active bleeding when screened * Primary neurological ICU admission diagnosis * Patients discharged from the ICU following cardiac surgery * Currently receiving or planned to receive end-of-life care * Not expected by clinical team to survive to hospital discharge * Patient with a proven chronic haematological disease that requires regular RBC transfusion to treat anaemia * Patient with dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure prior to ICU admission * Patient receiving regular erythropoietin (or any erythropoiesis stimulating agent) treatment for anaemia prior to ICU admission * Unable to obtain consent (frompatietn or in accordance with appropriate mental capacity legislation for the site) * Readmission to ICU during current hospitalisation episode and not enrolled following previous ICU admissions
Where this trial is running
Edinburgh
- NHS Lothian — Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Trial Manager
- Email: ABC.Trial@ed.ac.uk
- Phone: 0131 651 9907
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.