Iron transfusion

Question 1

IRONMAN
Summary

*This study is inconclusive due to the impact of the unanticipated low rate of transfusion
*The point estimate favours IV iron, but the confidence intervals are wide
*Further studies are needed before the widespread use of IV iron can be rejected or implemented

Answer 1

Question:
In critically ill anaemic patients, does early administration of intravenous iron compared to placebo reduce the requirement for blood transfusion?

Results:

IV iron did not result in a reduction in red blood cell transfusion compared to placebo, however they did leave hospital with a higher haemoglobin level.