Iron deficiency in coronary artery surgery patients - the HERROES substudy

Dr Joel Symons with a patient

Dr Joel Symons was awarded the Robin Smallwood bequest from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists for $98,000 to complete a substudy HEpcidin, Reticulocyte haemoglobin and soluble transferrin Receptors in Reported OutcomEs in cardiac Surgery (HERROES) sub study, nested within ITACS commencing in 2016.

Iron deficiency is very common in patients having coronary artery surgery. It is the commonest cause of anaemia worldwide, and independently worsens outcomes after surgery. The ITACS trial will determine whether a single dose of IV iron, given to anaemic patients before elective cardiac surgery improves outcome after surgery. The primary endpoint is days alive and out of hospital from surgery to 30 days following operation.  Secondary endpoints include blood transfusions, perioperative complications, hospital stay, survival, quality of life and disability-free survival.