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Hemoglobin Optimization to Prevent Transfusion and Adverse Events in Perioperative Patients With Iron Restricted Anemia

Phase 2
Terminated
Conditions
Knee Arthropathy
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Hip Arthropathy
Anemia, Iron Deficiency
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT03528564
Lead Sponsor
Unity Health Toronto
Brief Summary

The HOPE-Hb trial is a phase II study to determine the feasibility and impact of a combination treatment (intravenous iron plus erythropoietin) versus intravenous iron treatment alone on preoperative hemoglobin concentration before hip or knee arthroplasty.

Detailed Description

The purpose of the HOPE-Hb trial is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of intravenous iron plus erythropoietin versus intravenous iron alone for the treatment of iron restrictive anemia (iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic inflammation) prior to unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty surgery. Half of the study population will be randomly assigned to receive intravenous iron (Venofer; iron sucrose) and Eprex (subcutaneous epoetin alfa), while the other half will be randomized to receive Venofer (intravenous iron sucrose) and placebo (subcutaneous saline). This trial will be conducted in two phases. The vanguard phase will be conducted at a single site with a primary outcome of evaluating feasibility of the study. The full study phase will be conducted at four sites with a primary outcome of determining the impact of a combination treatment (intravenous iron plus erythropoietin) versus intravenous iron treatment alone on preoperative hemoglobin concentration. This study will also examine the RBC transfusion rate and clinical outcomes such as death, stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, infection, kidney injury, and deep vein thrombosis as secondary outcomes.

Preoperatively, patients will be administered a total of 900mg of intravenous iron (Venofer, iron sucrose) over three visits (3-6 weeks before surgery). Then patients will be randomized to receive either two administrations of 40,000 IU of Erythropoietin (Eprex; Epoeitin alfa) or an identical placebo (saline) over two study visits (2-3 weeks before surgery). Study participants will be followed-up for 12 weeks after surgery.

Study assessments and potential adverse events reporting will be undertaken at each study visit.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
4
Inclusion Criteria
  • 18 years of age or older at the time of consent
  • Undergoing unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty surgery (primary)
  • Hemoglobin concentration of less than 120g/L; but greater than 60g/L
Exclusion Criteria
  • Anemia attributed to something other than iron deficiency anemo/ACI:
  • Any other diagnosed or suspected cause of anemia (e.g. macrocytic anemia , lead toxicity, myelodysplastic syndrome)
  • Suspected of having acute blood loss due to any diagnosed condition (e.g. malignancy or gastric ulcer)
  • Mean Cell Volume (MCV) > 97fL
  • Known deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folate
  • A known history of acquired iron overload, haemochromatosis, thalassemia or other hereditary hemoglobinopathy.
  • Received an erythropoiesis stimulating agent, IV iron therapy, or red blood cell transfusion in the previous 12 weeks (from the time of consent), or planned use prior to operation
  • Blood pressure measured at >180mmHg systolic or >100mmHg diastolic
  • Known current or prior history of liver disease or elevation of alanine transaminase (ALT), or aspartate transaminase (AST) more than two times the upper limit of normal
  • A known hypersensitivity to IV iron or erythropoietin alfa (Eprex)
  • Renal dialysis (current or historical)
  • Active infection (currently receiving antibiotics)
  • Not eligible for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
  • Prior history of seizures or medical conditions associated with a predisposition to seizure activity such as central nervous system infections and brain metastases
  • History of thromboembolic disease or active coronary artery disease
  • Women who are pregnant or lactating (women of childbearing potential must be surgically sterile, or more than 1 year postmenopausal, or else must have a negative pregnancy test prior to randomization)
  • Recipient of an investigational drug within the past 30 days
  • Inability to speak, read, or understand the English language (required for cognitive testing)
  • Participation in a preoperative autologous blood donation program for current operation

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Epoetin alfaIron sucrosePreoperative treatment of anemia with iron sucrose (Venofer) plus Epoetin Alfa (Eprex)
Intravenous IronIron sucrosePreoperative treatment of anemia with iron sucrose (Venofer) plus placebo (saline)
Intravenous IronPlaceboPreoperative treatment of anemia with iron sucrose (Venofer) plus placebo (saline)
Epoetin alfaEpoetin AlfaPreoperative treatment of anemia with iron sucrose (Venofer) plus Epoetin Alfa (Eprex)
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Vanguard Phase (Initial 12 patients): Feasibility of using Erythropoietin + Intravenous Iron to Treat Preoperative Iron Restrictive Anemia18 weeks from randomization

The primary outcome of the vanguard phase is to determine the feasibility of using erythropoietin + intravenous iron to treat preoperative iron restrictive anemia. Feasibility will be measured according to subject enrollment rates, with adherence to the treatment schedule of \>80%.

Full Study: Preoperative Hemoglobin Concentration6 weeks from randomization

The primary outcome of the full study is preoperative hemoglobin concentration, as measured on the day of surgery in patients with iron restricted anemia.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Digit Span Test6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of memory span

Postoperative Hemoglobin Concentration0 weeks from surgery and 12 weeks from surgery

Hemoglobin concentration on postoperative day 2 (prior to hospital discharge); and 4-6 weeks after surgery

Change in Hemoglobin Concentration from Initiation of Treatment6 weeks from randomization

Rate of hemoglobin change from initiation of treatment to final preoperative hemoglobin

California Verbal Learning Test6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of word learning, recall and recognition, as well as episodic memory

Stroop Colour and Word Test6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of processing speed

Surgical Wound Infection6 weeks from surgery

Incidence of superficial and deep wound infection from treatment to 4-6 weeks post surgery

Cost Analysis12 weeks from randomization

Assessment of relative cost of treatment and cost savings associated with transfusion avoidance will be assessed (see projected cost analysis; appended)

Post-Treatment Hemoglobin Concentration12 weeks from randomization

Change in post-treatment hemoglobin concentration from baseline

Assessment of Iron Status6 weeks from surgery

Hematological outcomes for treatment efficacy including: Hb, ferritin, hepcidin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) pre-operatively and 4-6 weeks postoperatively

Deep Vein Thrombosis12 weeks from surgery

Incidence of DVT up to 12 weeks postoperatively

Neuropsychological Impairment Scale6 weeks from surgery

A subjective cognitive assessment of cognitive functioning. This is a 95-item questionnaire, with all items rated on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). From the 95 total items, 80 items describe neurophysiological symptoms (Global measure of impairment; GMI), 10 items describe affective disturbance, and 5 items assess test-taking attitudes. A total GMI score can range from 0-320, with higher scores indicating an increased impairment index.

Digit Symbol6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of response speed, sustained attention, and visual spatial skills

Montreal Cognitive Assessment6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of global cognitive functioning

Red Blood Cell Transfusions6 weeks from surgery

Rate of RBC transfusion and number of units transfused during surgery and up to 6 weeks postoperatively

Composite of Morbidity3 months from surgery

Incidence of a composite clinical outcome including death, stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, infection, acute kidney injury, and deep vein thrombosis from treatment to up to 3 months post surgery

Trail Making Test6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of processing speed

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of anxiety and depression levels. A total score between 0-7 indicates normal levels of depression or anxiety; a total score between 8-10 indicates borderline abnormal levels of anxiety or depression; and a total score between 11-21 indicates abnormal levels of depression or anxiety

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test6 weeks from surgery

Cognitive assessment of a participant's ability to set-shift (display flexibility in the face of changing conditions)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

St. Michael's Hosptial

🇨🇦

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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