A RECENT clinical trial has shown that a multifaceted anaemia prevention and treatment bundle significantly improves haemoglobin recovery in critically ill adults after hospitalisation. Conducted at a large US medical centre, the study involved 100 patients, aged 18 and above, who had moderate to severe anaemia following surgery or critical illness. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention bundle or standard care.
The intervention, which included optimised phlebotomy practices, clinical decision support, and intravenous iron, was administered throughout the hospital stay. The trial found that patients receiving the intervention had significantly higher haemoglobin levels one month after discharge compared to those who received standard care. The median haemoglobin concentration for those in the intervention group was 12.2 g/dL, compared to 11.5 g/dL for the standard care group.
These results suggest that implementing a structured anaemia management approach during critical illness can accelerate recovery, particularly in terms of haemoglobin levels. The study highlights the importance of addressing anaemia in the recovery process, as it is linked to better physical function and fewer hospital readmissions.
The findings of this trial are important for future healthcare practices, offering valuable insights into post-hospitalisation care and potentially shaping future interventions aimed at improving functional recovery and reducing complications in critically ill patients.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Warner MA et al. Practical anemia bundle and hemoglobin recovery in critical illness: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e252353.
