Impact of intravenous Iron on Musculoskeletal Function in Older Adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of Intravenous Iron (Ferinject) on Musculoskeletal Function Profiles in Older Adults with Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)
IRAS ID
253852
Contact name
Omid Khaiyat
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Hope University
Eudract number
2020-000056-35
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN00000000
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not Applicable, Not Applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Anaemia is a risk factor for functional decline and frailty in older adults including decreased physical performance and muscle strength, increased hospitalisation risk and mortality, falls, and poorer recovery from activities of daily living. Despite a major gap in human studies, research in animals has demonstrated an interrelationship between iron deficiency anaemia and deteriorated functional capacity and physical performance particularly in older adults. Iron deficiency and associated anaemia is a frequent accompanier of debilitating chronic diseases such as heart failure and chronic lung diseases. These conditions, more commonly seen in older patients, are strongly linked to deterioration in physical function, reduced skeletal muscle mass and quality, frailty, and poor quality of life. Exercise intolerance is also a common feature of these conditions as iron deficiency impairs the capacity of carrying oxygen leading to inability to sustain physical activities. Furthermore, the age-related decline in the muscle mass and quality (so called sarcopenia) and associated frailty has rapidly become a major health concern in the older adults particularly when accompanied by other chronic diseases. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in exploring the role of iron as a causative factor in the development of sarcopenia and related frailty.
In summary, there is a substantial gap of evidence whether Iron repletion leads to meaningful enhancements in the skeletal muscle function and physical performance in older adults suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. This study will investigate the impact of a standard care intervention (intravenous iron therapy) on muscular function and physical performance in older patients through a range of laboratory assessments.REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0090
Date of REC Opinion
16 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion