Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Intravenous Iron on Quality of Life in Older Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

The goal of this phase IV, open-label, randomized clinical trial is to evaluate whether intravenous iron improves quality of life in adults aged 65 years and older with iron deficiency after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does intravenous iron improve quality of life at 6 and 12 months? * Does it reduce frailty and adverse clinical outcomes? Researchers will compare intravenous ferric carboxymaltose with standard of care. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to receive intravenous iron or standard care * Attend three study visits over 12 months * Complete questionnaires and undergo blood tests

Maximizing the Benefits of Iron in Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods for Malnourished Children in Kenya

Reports from the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in Kwale County, southern Kenya, indicate a limited impact of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) on malnutrition or anemia. The current RUTF formulation may have an excessively high iron content. In severely acutely malnourished (SAM) children, iron cannot be properly absorbed, leading to life-threatening diarrhea. The overall aim of this project is to develop an improved RUTF treatment that addresses acute malnutrition and anemia in children, ensuring both safety and efficacy. Specifically, to assess the impact of malnutrition on fractional iron absorption (FIA) from RUTFs in children, by comparing healthy children to those with acute malnutrition and by tracking changes in FIA in malnourished children over the course of treatment.

The Effects of Iron Treatment on Malaria and Measles Vaccine Response in Kenyan Infants With Iron Deficiency

Malaria and iron deficiency cause a significant burden of disease in Africa. Iron deficiency (ID) might affect immune responses to vaccination. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we aim to assess: (1) whether ID impairs R21/Matrix-M and measles (MR) vaccine response, (2) whether iron treatment at time of vaccination improves vaccine response.

Postoperative Intravenous Ferric Derisomaltose for Prevention of Long-term Anemia After Cardiac Surgery

Postoperative anemia is highly prevalent among patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with delayed functional recovery, increased morbidity, and impaired long-term outcomes. Preoperative iron deficiency is common in this population and contributes to inadequate erythropoietic recovery after surgery. Functional iron deficiency frequently develops even in patients without preoperative deficiency due to blood loss, hemodilution, and inflammation-mediated disruption of iron homeostasis. Despite this clinical burden, standardized strategies for postoperative anemia management have not been established. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates whether early postoperative intravenous iron supplementation improves long-term anemia outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Adult patients with preoperative anemia (hemoglobin \<13 g/dL) or iron deficiency (ferritin \<100 ng/mL or transferrin saturation \<20%) will be screened. Eligible participants with postoperative day (POD) 1 hemoglobin \<10 g/dL will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ferric derisomaltose (20 mg/kg, maximum 1,000 mg) or a matched placebo administered intravenously over 30 minutes on POD 1. All perioperative management outside the intervention follows current institutional standards. The primary outcome is the incidence of anemia at 6 months following surgery. Secondary outcomes include perioperative hemoglobin trends, functional recovery assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing and the 6-minute walk test at 6 months, transfusion requirements, postoperative complications including MAKE-90 and STS major morbidity, and changes in biomarkers of erythropoiesis and iron metabolism (erythroferrone, erythropoietin, hepcidin, and iron profile). Blood samples for biomarker analysis are collected at predefined perioperative timepoints. Ferric derisomaltose allows high-dose single-session iron repletion with a favorable safety profile and minimal risk of anaphylaxis when administered slowly. Prior studies in cardiac surgery and heart failure populations support its efficacy and safety at doses up to 20 mg/kg. The intervention is expected to facilitate erythropoietic recovery, reduce the duration of postoperative anemia, and improve long-term functional status. The trial aims to generate evidence to inform postoperative anemia management strategies in cardiac surgery patients.

Study on Supplement of Intravenous Ferric Derisomaltose to Prevent Anemia and Improve the Quality of Life in Obese Patients With Iron Deficiency.

This study aimed to explore the effects of preoperative intravenous isomaltose iron supplementation versus placebo on postoperative Hb improvement, prevention of postoperative anemia, and improvement in quality of life in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Impact of Two Iron Formulations on Iron Biomarkers and Quality of Life

This randomized, double-blind parallel pilot study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of two Qualia Iron formulations versus placebo in approximately 40 healthy adults (aged 18+) over a 56-day period. Approximately 40 participants will be randomized to three study arms: Qualia Iron Version 1, 2, (n=15 each) or a Placebo (n=10). Each participant will take one or two capsules once daily in the morning, with or without food. The supplementation regimen is a 5 days on, 2 days off protocol, and goes for 56 days (8 weeks). The primary outcomes of this study are to assess between-group changes in iron status biomarkers. Secondary outcomes include within-group changes in iron status biomarkers, safety and tolerability as measured by a custom Safety and Tolerability survey, and RAND SF-36 quality of life scores.

Kids With Iron Deficiency and Scoliosis

This study is a randomized controlled trial of preoperative oral iron supplementation, to identify whether iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes such as red blood cell transfusion and diminished postoperative cognitive and physical capacity in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. Research Question(s)/Hypothesis(es): Primary * Iron supplementation will reduce the incidence of perioperative RBC transfusion in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. Secondary * Iron supplementation will reduce postoperative neurocognitive functional declines in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. * Iron supplementation will improve patient-reported physical functioning in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion.

Multi-center Trial of Ferric Derisomaltose Versus no Intravenous Iron in Iron-deficient Subjects With Symptomatic Chronic Heart Failure

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the IV Iron treatment ferric derisomaltose helps in the treatment of chronic heart failure in people with iron deficiency. The main question it aims to answer is: • How many participants are admitted to the hospital or die from a disease in the heart or blood vessels Researchers will compare treatment with ferric derisomaltose to no treatment with ferric derisomaltose. This will be done to see how well ferric derisomaltose works. Participants will: * Be randomized 50/50 to either treatment with Ferric derisomaltose or to no treatment with ferric derisomaltose * All participants receives standard of care * Visit site 4-5 times and have 7 video/phone-calls

Iron-deficiency Anaemia and Its Impact on Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

The aim of this prospective, observational cohort study is to assess the impact of iron deficiency anaemia on the incidence of perioperative complications and the quality of recovery after surgery in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * whether the presence of preoperative iron deficiency anaemia leads to a poorer quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery * whether different combinations of complete blood count parameters (red blood cell indices) could be suitable diagnostic tools for the detection of iron deficiency in the latent stage (without laboratory-confirmed anaemia) in colorectal cancer patients. Blood samples for laboratory analyses will be collected from each study patient admitted to the surgical ward one day prior to elective surgery and on the first postoperative day during the stay in the intensive care unit. The pre-operative laboratory analyses include a complete blood count and serum iron status parameters (iron concentration, ferritin concentration, TIBC, UIBC and TSAT). Laboratory parameters analysed on the first postoperative day include complete blood count, serum concentration of electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg), serum concentration of urea and creatinine, parameters of haemostasis (aPTT, PT, INR), serum concentration of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Data about overall morbidity, intraoperative complications, quality of postoperative recovery, red blood cell transfusion rate, all-cause infection rate, antibiotic usage, as well as length of hospital stay will be collected. The researchers will compare the group of patients with iron deficiency anaemia, the group of patients with iron deficiency in the latent stage and the control group to determine whether patients with iron deficiency have a higher incidence of perioperative complications and impaired recovery after surgery. The researchers will investigate whether iron deficiency can be detected at an early stage, when anaemia is not yet present, by calculating various red blood cell indices.

A Novel Iron-Based Supplement for Athletes Aged 18-25: Phase II

Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency and this can impact their exercise performance. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel iron supplement in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in endurance-trained females.

A Novel Iron-Based Supplement for Athletes Aged 14-17

Female endurance athletes are susceptible to iron deficiency and this can impact their exercise performance. This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel iron supplement in improving iron status, gut microbiome, and exercise performance in endurance-trained females.

Perioperative Blood Conservation: Role of Combined Iron Supplementation Protocols in Reducing Allogeneic Transfusion

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a combined iron supplementation regimen can reduce the need for blood transfusions in adults with iron-deficiency anemia undergoing major elective cardiac surgery. The trial will also look at whether this regimen is safe and well tolerated. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the combined regimen lower the amount of allogeneic red blood cell transfusion needed during and after surgery? Are there any side effects or safety concerns associated with the regimen? Researchers will compare the combined iron supplementation (sucrose iron, erythropoietin, and vitamin C) to standard care to see if it helps reduce blood transfusions. Participants will: Receive either the combined regimen or standard care before surgery Undergo major elective cardiac surgery under general anesthesia Be monitored for blood transfusion needs and recovery up to 90 days after surgery

Influences of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives on Iron Status and Physiological Responses to Extreme Environments in Women

Over recent years, military service women have shown increasing interest in utilizing long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs; i.e., implants or intrauterine devices, IUDs). While clinically, LARC have been proven safe and effective at preventing pregnancy \& decreasing menstrual symptoms, it is unclear what impact this type of contraceptive may have on physiological responses to extreme environments (heat, cold and high altitude). Additionally, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are prevalent in U.S. military women which likely affect health and performance. There is evidence to suggest that the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia is lower in women utilizing LARCs, which preserve iron stores, likely due to reduced menstrual blood loss that compounds with each cycle over the course of months. Due to the increasing interest in the utilization of LARCs it is important to understand what, if any, impact these methods of contraception may have on a female Soldier's physiological responses. The overall goal of the present study is to characterize iron status and physiological responses (including but not limited to sweating, skin blood flow, ventilation, and heart rate) to extreme environmental stressors of heat, cold and high altitude (i.e. hypobaric hypoxia) in women utilizing LARCs. Up to thirty-three individuals (n=18 LARCs, n=15 monophasic oral contraceptives) will complete testing visits separated by at least 48 hours for environmental testing visits. During heat stress testing, measures of core body temperature, skin temperature, and sweat rate will be measured during a standardized protocol in hot, humid conditions. During cold stress, measures of body core temperature, metabolic heat production, skin blood flow and temperature (at both distal extremity and proximal body sites) will be assessed in order to better quantify the impact of exogenous sex hormones via LARCs and OCs in volunteers exposed to the cold. Measurements will be obtained during a standardized protocol in cold air (\~90 min; 10°C). For altitude, cardiopulmonary responses will be assessed during rest and exercise during an acute altitude exposure (4300m). Blood samples will be collected throughout the investigation in order to quantify sex hormone concentrations, iron status, and inflammatory biomarkers in response to environmental stressors. The investigators will also utilize laboratory tests (i.e., carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing technique) and collect blood samples to quantity iron stores in these groups of women. To characterize iron status, the Soldier Performance Health and Readiness (SPHERE) epidemiological data repository will be utilized to quantify the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficient anemia diagnoses between women using LARCs and women not utilizing LARCs.

IRONHEART: Intravenous Iron in Non-ischaemic Heart Failure

The aim of this study is to observe the effect of intravenous ferric derisomaltose in participants with non-ischaemic heart failure (LVEF\<40%), iron deficiency (TSATS\<20%) and established on heart failure therapy including Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Participants will undergo baseline laboratory blood tests, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), six-minute walk test, musculoskeletal function test and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). These investigations will be repeated at 24 hours and 30 days after the administration of intravenous ferric derisomaltose.

IV Iron and SGLT2 Inhibitor on Ventricular Function and Myocardial Iron Content in Heart Failure With Iron Deficiency

Background. Treatment with intravenous iron has been shown to improve symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and iron deficiency. However, the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects remain unknown. SGLT2i seem to alter hematocrit and other hematological markers or iron content. This study aims to measure cardiac magnetic resonance changes in myocardial iron content and in left ventricular function after administration of intravenous iron with and without the concomitant use of SGLT2 inhibitor in patients with HFrEF and iron deficiency.

Effect of Non-anemic Iron Deficiency on Outcome Following Off-pump Coronary Revascularization

This is a single center retrospective study of patients who underwent off pump coronary artery bypass surgery between 2016.11\~2023.05. From this patient group, preoperatively non-anemic patients were selected and were divided into 2 cohorts according to their preoperative iron status; iron replete and iron deficient. These two cohorts were compared to evaluate the effect of preoperative iron deficiency on patient outcomes. The primary end point was the occurrence of composite morbidity/mortality end points which were: in hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, deep sternal infection, hemostatic reoperation, prolonged mechanical ventilation of more than 24hours, delirium and postoperative myocardial infarction. Occurrence of any one of these outcomes counted as primary end point met. Secondary outcome was to evaluate and compare hemoglobin recovery of iron replete and deficient patients until one year after surgery.