Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

ABC - A Post Intensive Care Anaemia Management Trial

The ABC Post Intensive Care trial explores how best to manage 'anaemia' – a condition where you have too few red blood cells – in patients after they leave intensive care (ICU). It's common for people to have anaemia after being seriously ill, which can make them feel very tired and slow down their recovery. This study will compare the usual way of giving blood transfusions to a more active approach, where patients receive transfusions more readily if their red blood cell levels are low. The aim is to see if this helps patients recover faster, feel better, and improve their quality of life. The study will take place in hospitals across the UK and will follow patients for about six months, with longer-term follow-up using routine health records.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

346

Start

01 Sep 2020

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Anemia Acute Fatigue Physical Disability Quality of Life

What is this study about?

When people leave intensive care (ICU), it's very common for them to have anaemia, which means their blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, so a low count can make you feel extremely tired, weak, and can slow down your recovery significantly.

This study, called 'ABC Post Intensive Care', is the first of its kind to look at whether giving red blood cell transfusions after ICU discharge can help patients feel better and improve their health. We're comparing two ways of managing anaemia: the current standard approach, which is quite cautious about giving transfusions, and a more active approach, where transfusions are given more readily if red blood cell levels are low. We want to find out if this more active treatment can help patients recover more quickly, have more energy, and improve their overall quality of life after such a big illness. The study will also help us understand which patients might benefit most from transfusions and which ones might not.

This research is really important because it could lead to better ways to support people recovering from critical illness. By understanding the best way to manage anaemia, we hope to improve how quickly and how well patients can get back to their normal lives after leaving intensive care.

Key takeaways

The study investigates managing anaemia after intensive care.
Compares standard blood transfusions with a more active approach.
Aims to improve patient recovery, energy levels, and quality of life.
Participation involves possible transfusions and completing questionnaires for 6 months.
Information from your routine health records will be used for longer-term follow-up.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 16 or over who have been in intensive care (ICU) and are now well enough to be discharged from ICU. You would need to have received advanced life support during your time in ICU and be expected to stay in the hospital until you are fully ready to go home.

To be included, your red blood cell level needs to be quite low (94g/L or less) when you are ready to be discharged from ICU, or shortly after. You also need to be able to give your consent to take part, or have someone legally able to do so on your behalf.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a medical reason that makes blood transfusions unsuitable for you, or if you object to receiving blood transfusions. Patients who are actively bleeding, have certain long-term blood conditions, are receiving end-of-life care, or recently had specific organ transplants (like liver, kidney, or both) would also not be able to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 16 years old or older?
Have you recently received intensive care (ICU)?
Is your red blood cell level (Hb) currently low (94g/L or less)?
Are you able to receive blood transfusions?
Do you expect to stay in the hospital until you are fully ready to go home?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be asked to give your permission (consent) for some extra checks and monitoring. You would then be randomly placed into one of two treatment groups. This means that a computer will decide whether you receive the standard care for anaemia or the more active transfusion approach; neither you nor your doctors can choose which group you are in.

While you are in the hospital, your red blood cell levels will be checked at least once a week. Depending on these results and which group you are in, you might receive red blood cell transfusions. The research also involves you completing several questionnaires about your quality of life at specific times over about six months after you join the study. After these six months, we will continue to follow your progress using routinely collected health information from national health databases to understand long-term effects. The total active participation for you would be around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us understand how to improve recovery for patients after intensive care. While there might not be a direct benefit to you personally, your contribution could help many others in the future. As with any medical procedure, receiving a blood transfusion carries a very small risk, which your healthcare team will discuss with you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What does 'anaemia' mean?

Anaemia means you have a lower number of red blood cells than normal, which can make you feel tired and weak.

What is a red blood cell transfusion?

A red blood cell transfusion is when you receive donated blood to increase your red blood cell levels.

Will I get to choose which treatment I receive?

No, a computer will randomly assign you to one of the two treatment groups, like flipping a coin, to ensure a fair comparison.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will be actively involved for about six months, including completing questionnaires. We will then follow your health using routine records for five years.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.