Imaging Intravenous Iron
This study aims to understand how your body uses iron after you've had an iron drip, also known as intravenous iron. We want to see exactly where the iron goes in different body tissues and how long it stays there. To do this, we'll use special MRI scans, which are very good at showing us where iron is in your body. We'll do these scans over several weeks after your iron treatment. This research is for people who have low iron levels (iron deficiency) and are already scheduled to receive an iron drip as part of their normal care. By watching how the iron moves around, we hope to learn more about how these important iron treatments work in the body, helping us to give better care in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have low iron levels, known as iron deficiency, you might be offered an iron drip, which is when special iron liquid is put directly into your bloodstream through a vein. This study wants to understand exactly what happens to this iron once it's in your body. We're curious to see where it travels, which organs or tissues take it up, and how long it stays there over several hours, days, and weeks.
To do this, we'll use a type of scan called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). You might have had an MRI before for other reasons. For this study, the MRI scanners at the John Radcliffe Hospital are specially set up to track the iron in your body. They can detect the iron without using any radiation and are very good at showing us how the iron moves into different parts of your body. This will help us learn more about how your body uses the iron from the drip.
This study is for people who are already getting an iron drip as part of their regular treatment for iron deficiency. It's an 'observational' study, meaning we're just watching and learning about what naturally happens when you get your treatment. We're not testing a new drug or treatment but rather trying to understand the treatments that are already in use. The information we gather from this study could help doctors and nurses better understand iron deficiency and how best to treat it in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study tracks iron in your body after an iron drip.
- It uses special MRI scans to see where the iron goes.
- You'll have four MRI scans over about six weeks.
- Blood samples will also be taken during these visits.
- This research helps improve understanding of iron deficiency treatments.
- Your iron drip is part of your normal NHS care.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over and willing to give your permission to take part. You must have low iron levels, which doctors might call anaemia or iron deficiency, and already be scheduled to receive an iron drip treatment from your doctor.
However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have any metal implants in your body (like some pacemakers, surgical clips, or even certain tattoos) that would make having an MRI scan unsafe, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe heart problems, you wouldn't be eligible.
Finally, if the study doctors think that another health condition you have might affect the results of the study, or if there's any other reason an MRI scan wouldn't be safe for you, you wouldn't be able to join. Your study doctor will check all these things with you.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have low iron levels (iron deficiency) and are already scheduled for an iron drip?
- Do you have any metal implants or other conditions that might make an MRI scan unsafe?
- Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
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'll continue to receive your iron drip (Ferinject) as you normally would from an NHS doctor or nurse. This treatment is given as part of your standard care, not specifically for the study.
Throughout the study, you will have four MRI scans. The first scan will be before you have your iron drip. Then, you'll have three more scans: one about 3 hours after your drip, another approximately 14 days later, and a final scan around 42 days (about 6 weeks) after your drip. At each of these four visits (before the drip, 3 hours after, 14 days after, and 42 days after), we will also take a blood sample to check your iron levels and other related health markers. Each visit will involve the MRI scan and blood test, and the total duration of your involvement in the study will be about six weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR)Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an iron drip (intravenous iron)?
An iron drip is when iron is given directly into your bloodstream through a needle in your arm. It's used when your body needs iron quickly or can't absorb it well through tablets.
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It doesn't use X-rays or radiation.
Will I get my iron treatment from the study team?
No, your iron drip will be given by your regular NHS doctors or nurses as part of your usual care. The study team will only do the scans and blood tests.
Do I have to do anything special before or after the scans?
You'll need to follow instructions given by the MRI staff, especially about removing metal objects and informing them of any implants. Otherwise, your daily routine shouldn't change.
Will I find out my personal results?
The study is for research, so individual results may not be shared immediately. However, if anything important is found about your health during the scans or blood tests, you will be informed.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.