Ferric Carboxymaltose and Cardiac Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Kiviniemi Tuomas O. MD, PhD, Anttila Vesa MD, PhD, Pälve Kristiina MD, PhD, Vesanen Marko MD, Lehto Joonas MD, PhD, Malmberg Markus MD, PhD, Vasankari Tuija MS, Airaksinen K.E.Juhani MD, PhD, Gunn Jarmo MD, PhD
Primary Institution: Heart Center, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
Hypothesis
Can intravenous iron supplementation reduce blood transfusions and infections in patients without anemia undergoing cardiac surgery?
Conclusion
Ferric carboxymaltose was safe but did not reduce blood transfusions or infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Supporting Evidence
- 3 patients in both the ferric carboxymaltose and placebo groups experienced the primary endpoint.
- Fewer hospital readmissions were noted in the ferric carboxymaltose group at 3 months.
- Ferritin levels were higher in the ferric carboxymaltose group at 3 months.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether giving iron before heart surgery could help patients need less blood and get fewer infections. It found that while the iron was safe, it didn't really help with those problems.
Methodology
This was a randomized double-blind trial comparing ferric carboxymaltose to placebo in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the trial being industry-sponsored.
Limitations
The trial was prematurely discontinued for futility, and the sample size was smaller than originally planned.
Participant Demographics
Patients undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery, aged 35 and older, without anemia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.00
Statistical Significance
p=1.00
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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