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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
4
Intravenous iron to be administered to all patients (9 x 5 mL Single Dose Vials @ 20mg elemental iron/mL; 900 mg total)
Erythropoietin to be administered to half of study participants (40,000 IU x 1-2 subcutaneous injections)
Saline to be administered to half of study participants (equal volume to Eprex x 1-2 subcutaneous injections)
St. Michael's Hosptial
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Vanguard Phase (Initial 12 patients): Feasibility of using Erythropoietin + Intravenous Iron to Treat Preoperative Iron Restrictive Anemia
The primary outcome of the vanguard phase is to determine the feasibility of using erythropoietin + intravenous iron to treat preoperative iron restrictive anemia. Feasibility will be measured according to subject enrollment rates, with adherence to the treatment schedule of \>80%.
Time frame: 18 weeks from randomization
Full Study: Preoperative Hemoglobin Concentration
The primary outcome of the full study is preoperative hemoglobin concentration, as measured on the day of surgery in patients with iron restricted anemia.
Time frame: 6 weeks from randomization
Post-Treatment Hemoglobin Concentration
Change in post-treatment hemoglobin concentration from baseline
Time frame: 12 weeks from randomization
Change in Hemoglobin Concentration from Initiation of Treatment
Rate of hemoglobin change from initiation of treatment to final preoperative hemoglobin
Time frame: 6 weeks from randomization
Postoperative Hemoglobin Concentration
Hemoglobin concentration on postoperative day 2 (prior to hospital discharge); and 4-6 weeks after surgery
Time frame: 0 weeks from surgery and 12 weeks from surgery
Red Blood Cell Transfusions
Rate of RBC transfusion and number of units transfused during surgery and up to 6 weeks postoperatively
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Incidence of DVT up to 12 weeks postoperatively
Time frame: 12 weeks from surgery
Composite of Morbidity
Incidence of a composite clinical outcome including death, stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, infection, acute kidney injury, and deep vein thrombosis from treatment to up to 3 months post surgery
Time frame: 3 months from surgery
Surgical Wound Infection
Incidence of superficial and deep wound infection from treatment to 4-6 weeks post surgery
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Assessment of Iron Status
Hematological outcomes for treatment efficacy including: Hb, ferritin, hepcidin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) pre-operatively and 4-6 weeks postoperatively
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Digit Span Test
Cognitive assessment of memory span
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
California Verbal Learning Test
Cognitive assessment of word learning, recall and recognition, as well as episodic memory
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Neuropsychological Impairment Scale
A subjective cognitive assessment of cognitive functioning. This is a 95-item questionnaire, with all items rated on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). From the 95 total items, 80 items describe neurophysiological symptoms (Global measure of impairment; GMI), 10 items describe affective disturbance, and 5 items assess test-taking attitudes. A total GMI score can range from 0-320, with higher scores indicating an increased impairment index.
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Trail Making Test
Cognitive assessment of processing speed
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Digit Symbol
Cognitive assessment of response speed, sustained attention, and visual spatial skills
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive assessment of global cognitive functioning
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Stroop Colour and Word Test
Cognitive assessment of processing speed
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Cognitive assessment of a participant's ability to set-shift (display flexibility in the face of changing conditions)
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
Cognitive assessment of anxiety and depression levels. A total score between 0-7 indicates normal levels of depression or anxiety; a total score between 8-10 indicates borderline abnormal levels of anxiety or depression; and a total score between 11-21 indicates abnormal levels of depression or anxiety
Time frame: 6 weeks from surgery
Cost Analysis
Assessment of relative cost of treatment and cost savings associated with transfusion avoidance will be assessed (see projected cost analysis; appended)
Time frame: 12 weeks from randomization