Using combined iron supplements to reduce blood transfusions in heart surgery patients
Official title: Long-term Outcomes Sub-Study of Preoperative Combined Iron Therapy in Anemic Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine · NCT06968936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a mix of iron supplements and vitamin C can help heart surgery patients with low iron levels need fewer blood transfusions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06968936 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with iron deficiency anemia scheduled for major cardiac surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have iron deficiency anemia or those with contraindications to the study medications will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if a combined regimen of intravenous sucrose iron, subcutaneous erythropoietin, and intravenous vitamin C can effectively reduce the need for blood transfusions in adults with iron-deficiency anemia undergoing major elective cardiac surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the combined treatment or standard care before their surgery. The study will monitor the total volume of blood transfusions required during and after the surgery, as well as any potential side effects associated with the treatment. Follow-up assessments will occur at various time points up to 90 days post-surgery to evaluate recovery and transfusion needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly decrease the reliance on blood transfusions during cardiac surgeries, improving patient outcomes and safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with iron supplementation in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. 2. Major cardiac surgery should encompass procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery, or a combination of both. 3. Iron deficiency anemia is defined as having a ferritin level below 100 μg/L or a ferritin level below 300 μg/L accompanied by a transferrin saturation below 25%. Additionally, hemoglobin levels should range between 90 and 130 g/L for men or between 90 and 120 g/L for women. 4. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification should fall within Grade 1-3. 5. Prior to participation, the patient or their legal representative must provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindications for the administration of iron sucrose, ascorbic acid, or rHuEPO. 2. Presence of a temperature exceeding 37.5 °C or the utilization of non-prophylactic antibiotics. 3. Individuals with a weight equal to or less than 50kg. 4. Individuals with a family history of haemochromatosis or thalassaemia, or those with a transferrin saturation level exceeding 50% or a documented history of iron overload. 5. Presence of other known haematological disorders such as folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency, haemolytic anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, iron granulocytic anaemia, G6PD deficiency, etc. 6. Requirement for emergency surgical intervention. 7. Severe hepatic or renal impairment, ALT \>3 times the upper limit of normal value or AST \>3 times the upper limit of normal value, creatinine \>1.5 times the upper limit of normal value 8. Pregnant or lactating women 9. history of blood transfusion, intravenous iron or ascorbic acid use within 12 weeks prior to surgery 10. Acute blood loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc. in the preoperative period.
Where it's running
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Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Qi Gao, Dr.
- Email: gaoqi19950203@163.com
- Phone: 19857136919
Similar studies
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Improving ready-to-use therapeutic foods to help malnourished Kenyan children absorb iron
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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.