Tracking iron distribution in the body after intravenous iron infusion

Study of Tissue Iron Uptake in Iron-Deficient Patients Receiving Intravenous Iron Replacement Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study (STUDY)

University of Oxford · NCT05609318

This study is testing how intravenous iron infusions change iron levels in different parts of the body over time for people with iron deficiency.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oxford (other)
Locations1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Trial IDNCT05609318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate how intravenous iron infusion affects tissue iron levels over time in patients with iron deficiency. Participants will receive their iron infusion as part of standard care and will undergo a series of MRI scans at specified intervals to measure iron uptake in various tissues. Blood samples will also be collected to assess hematological and iron parameters. The study is conducted at the Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, utilizing established MRI techniques to accurately track iron distribution.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with anemia or confirmed iron deficiency scheduled to receive intravenous iron.

Not a fit: Patients with MRI incompatible implants, acute heart failure, or unstable clinical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of iron metabolism and improve treatment strategies for iron deficiency.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of tracking iron distribution using MRI is established, this specific observational study may provide novel insights into the kinetics of iron uptake post-infusion.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Aged 18 years or above.
* Anaemia (haemoglobin less than 120g/L for women and less than 130g/L for men) and/or confirmed iron deficiency (ferritin less than 100mcg/L and/or transferrin saturation less than 20%).
* Scheduled to receive intravenous iron for correction of iron deficiency.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any MRI incompatible implants (e.g. cardiac, neuro, ocular implants, surgical clips, aneurysm clips, shrapnel/bullets)
* Pregnant or lactating participant
* Acute decompensated heart failure
* Unstable clinical status
* Any other medical conditions which would influence the reliability of the study results determined by the investigators.
* Any other contraindication to MRI to be confirmed by the qualified MRI operator, e.g. tattoos containing traces of metal.

Where this trial is running

Oxford, Oxfordshire

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Iron-deficiency

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.