Hemoglobin Optimization to Prevent Transfusion and Adverse Events in Perioperative Patients With Iron Restricted Anemia

The HOPE-Hb trial is a phase II study to determine the feasibility and impact of a combination treatment (intravenous iron plus erythropoietin) versus intravenous iron treatment alone on preoperative hemoglobin concentration before hip or knee arthroplasty.

The purpose of the HOPE-Hb trial is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of intravenous iron plus erythropoietin versus intravenous iron alone for the treatment of iron restrictive anemia (iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic inflammation) prior to unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty surgery. Half of the study population will be randomly assigned to receive intravenous iron (Venofer; iron sucrose) and Eprex (subcutaneous epoetin alfa), while the other half will be randomized to receive Venofer (intravenous iron sucrose) and placebo (subcutaneous saline). This trial will be conducted in two phases. The vanguard phase will be conducted at a single site with a primary outcome of evaluating feasibility of the study. The full study phase will be conducted at four sites with a primary outcome of determining the impact of a combination treatment (intravenous iron plus erythropoietin) versus intravenous iron treatment alone on preoperative hemoglobin concentration. This study will also examine the RBC transfusion rate and clinical outcomes such as death, stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, infection, kidney injury, and deep vein thrombosis as secondary outcomes. Preoperatively, patients will be administered a total of 900mg of intravenous iron (Venofer, iron sucrose) over three visits (3-6 weeks before surgery). Then patients will be randomized to receive either two administrations of 40,000 IU of Erythropoietin (Eprex; Epoeitin alfa) or an identical placebo (saline) over two study visits (2-3 weeks before surgery). Study participants will be followed-up for 12 weeks after surgery. Study assessments and potential adverse events reporting will be undertaken at each study visit.