Overview

On discharge from intensive care (ICU) patients are often severely anaemic (have a low level of haemoglobin (Hb) in their red blood cells (RBC)). Anaemia can persist for many months making patients feel tired and fatigued. Regaining pre-illness health and energy levels can take a long time.

The ABC Post Intensive Care Trial will be the first trial to investigate if an anaemic ICU patient's health can be improved by treating with RBC transfusions following ICU discharge. We will compare the current approach as per national guidelines (restrictive transfusion), with a more active transfusion regime to correct anaemia from ICU discharge to hospital discharge.

The trial will take place in acute hospitals throughout the UK where patients are discharged after a period of time in ICU.

Patients discharged, or ready for discharge from ICU will be approached to consider participation in the trial. Once Hb level drops below 94g/L they would become eligible for inclusion (subject to meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria). The main indication for being excluded from participating in the trial is that transfusions are contraindicated (not appropriate for the patient) or they have an objection to blood transfusions.

Group allocation will be randomly assigned at ICU discharge. We will explore which patients benefit most from transfusions and those who gain no benefit.

Patients will have their Hb level checked at least weekly whilst in hospital and based on the result will have RBC transfusions as required according to the treatment regime they were randomised to.

Part of the research is based on self-reported quality of life so participants will be asked to complete a number of questionnaires at set time-points from randomisation to 6 months post randomisation.

Each participant will be actively on trial for approximately 6 months. The five-year follow will be done using routinely collected data from national databases.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient who received level 3 ICU care at any time point during the current hospital admission (defined as advance respiratory support and/or at least two organ support).
• Patient considered ready for discharge from ICU by the caring clinical team.
• Hb less than or equal to 94g/L when ready for ICU discharge or during the first seven days following the decision by the treating clinician that the patient is ready for ICU discharge.
• 16years of age or older
• Patient expected to remain in study hospital until hospital discharge.
• Consent provided (by participant or in accordance with appropriate mental capacity legislation for the site).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindication or objection to RBC transfusion
• Active bleeding when screened
• Primary neurological ICU admission diagnosis
• Patients discharged from the ICU following cardiac surgery
• Currently receiving or planned to receive end-of-life care
• Not expected by clinical team to survive to hospital discharge
• Patient with a proven chronic haematological disease that requires regular RBC transfusion to treat anaemia
• Patient with dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure prior to ICU admission
• Patient receiving regular erythropoietin (or any erythropoiesis stimulating agent) treatment for anaemia prior to ICU admission
• Unable to obtain consent (frompatietn or in accordance with appropriate mental capacity legislation for the site)
• Readmission to ICU during current hospitalisation episode and not enrolled following previous ICU admissions