RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pediatric Outcomes and Recovery With Peri-Operative Iron Supplement Evaluation

This study aims to make hip surgery safer and smoother for children aged 0-18. Many children needing these operations, especially those with conditions like cerebral palsy, can have low iron or poor nutrition. This can make surgery harder and increase the chance of needing a blood transfusion. Researchers are testing a new plan that involves giving children a special nutrition program, including iron supplements if they need them, before their surgery. The goal is to see if this helps them recover better, reduces the need for transfusions, and improves their overall outcome after hip operations. The study will look at children having operations like Varus-Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO) or pelvic osteotomy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

180

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Varus-Derotation Osteotomy Surgery Iron-deficiency Anemia Pelvic Osteotomy Surgery Cerebral Palsy

What is this study about?

When children need certain hip operations, like a Varus-Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO) or a pelvic osteotomy, it's a big step. These operations help correct hip problems. Sometimes, children who have these surgeries, especially those with conditions like cerebral palsy, can have other health challenges too. For example, they might not be getting all the nutrients they need, or they might have low iron levels, which is also known as anaemia. Having low iron can make surgery more difficult and might mean they need a blood transfusion during or after the operation.

This study is looking at whether giving children a special nutrition plan before their hip surgery can make a real difference. This plan might include making sure they're getting enough iron, with supplements if needed. The main idea is to see if boosting their nutrition and iron levels beforehand helps them recover better from the surgery, reduces the chances of needing a blood transfusion, and generally improves their health outcomes.

Doctors want to find the best ways to prepare children for these important operations. By making sure they're as healthy as possible before surgery, they hope to make the whole experience smoother and safer, helping children get back to feeling better sooner. This research could help shape how children are cared for before hip surgery in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve children's recovery after hip surgery.
It focuses on better nutrition, especially iron, before the operation.
The goal is to reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Children aged 0-18 having hip surgery can be considered.
It could help make future surgeries safer for children.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 0 and 18 years old who are planning to have a specific type of hip surgery called a Varus-Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO) or a pelvic osteotomy. These are the main requirements to be considered for the study.

There are also some reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, if they've had a major operation in the last three months, or if they've already received a treatment for low iron or improved nutrition very recently. Children who have bleeding problems or are taking certain medications for blood might also not be able to participate.

It's important to know that participating in the study involves surveys and interviews in English. If a child or their family cannot understand and speak English well enough for these parts, they won't be able to join the study. However, even if they can't be in the study, they would still receive the same good nutrition advice and care as everyone else having the surgery.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child aged between 0 and 18 years old?
Is my child scheduled for a Varus-Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO) or pelvic osteotomy hip surgery?
Has my child NOT had a major operation in the last 3 months?
Has my child NOT received special iron treatment or nutrition advice in the last 3 months?
Does my child or family understand and speak English for surveys and interviews?
Does my child NOT have a bleeding disorder or take certain blood medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they would be involved in a special nutrition programme before their hip surgery. This means that doctors and dietitians would carefully look at their nutritional needs and check their iron levels. If needed, they might be given iron supplements to take before surgery. The study team will track how these preparations affect your child's recovery and whether they need a blood transfusion during the operation. The total duration of participation would be from before their surgery through their recovery period, with assessments planned around these times. Specific details about the number of visits, what assessments involve (like blood tests), and how long the follow-up lasts would be fully explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that your child might receive a more detailed and tailored nutrition plan before their surgery, which could improve their overall health and recovery, potentially reducing the need for blood transfusions. As with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or slight side effects from iron supplements, though these are generally well-managed. You and your child have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

BC Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a Varus-Derotation Osteotomy (VDRO) surgery?

It's a type of hip operation designed to correct or prevent children's hip joints from slipping out of place, helping them move better.

Why is low iron a problem before surgery?

Low iron (anaemia) can make people feel very tired and might increase the chance of needing a blood transfusion during or after a major operation.

Will my child definitely get iron supplements?

Not necessarily. Your child's iron levels will be checked, and supplements will only be given if the doctors recommend them based on their needs.

Will participating in the study change my child's surgical care?

No, the study aims to enhance their pre-surgery care with a nutrition plan. Their surgical team will still provide the best possible care for the operation itself.

What if my child doesn't speak English?

The surveys and interviews for the study are in English, so if you or your child cannot understand them, you wouldn't be able to join the study. However, you'd still receive the same standard nutrition care for the surgery.

How to find out more

Steffanie Fisher, MSc

steffanie.fisher@bcchr.ca 604-875-2000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.