Iron status at ICU discharge in adults with anemia after critical illness
Official title: Iron Deficiency at ICU Discharge and Its Impact on Post-critical Illness Recovery. The IRON-ICU Study
Run by Università degli Studi di Ferrara · NCT07781540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We are testing whether iron deficiency is common at ICU discharge and whether it relates to how well patients recover after leaving the ICU.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 462 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Università degli Studi di Ferrara Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Brussels and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07781540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) who were in an ICU for at least 72 hours and survived to ICU discharge.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have iron deficiency or who have conditions that affect erythropoiesis unrelated to iron status may not see a direct benefit from this observational assessment.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study will measure iron status in adults at ICU discharge using standard tests (including TSAT, ferritin, iron, transferrin, and hemoglobin). It aims to determine how common iron deficiency is after ICU stay of at least 72 hours and to explore its association with post-ICU recovery, including functional status and ongoing anemia. The study does not assign any treatment but will document iron status and related recovery outcomes across participating centers. Transferrin saturation is highlighted as a potentially more informative marker in the context of inflammation. Findings may help identify patients who could benefit from future interventional studies on iron therapy after ICU discharge.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If iron deficiency at ICU discharge is linked to poorer recovery, this could guide future strategies to screen and potentially treat iron deficiency in post-ICU patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests iron deficiency is common in critical illness and may influence recovery, but this study adds contemporary, multicenter data focused on discharge status.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age ≥18 years * ICU length of stay ≥72 hours * Survival to ICU discharge Exclusion criteria: * Known hematologic diseases affecting erythropoiesis (e.g., aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes) * Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Università di Ferrara
Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy Recruiting -
Hospital Erasme
Brussels, Belgium Not yet recruiting -
Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli
Roma, Italy Not yet recruiting -
Anestesia e Rianimazione Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare
Siena, Italy Not yet recruiting
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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.