ABC - A Post Intensive Care Anaemia Management Trial

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.