CompletedNot Applicable

Randomized Trial of a Liberal Versus a Restrictive Transfusion Strategy in Elderly Cardiac Surgery Patients

Canada73 participantsStarted 2004-06-21

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a less restrictive strategy of red blood cell transfusion in elderly patients following coronary bypass surgery results in enhanced postoperative recovery as determined by quality of life assessment, exercise tolerance and clinical outcomes. Two postoperative transfusion strategies: 1. Liberal - transfused when Hgb is \<100g/L 2. Restrictive - transfused when Hgb is \<70g/L

Who can participate

Age range

70 Years – 90 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>=70 years of age undergoing non-emergency coronary artery bypass surgery * Initial postoperative hemoglobin level 70-90g/L Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to provide informed consent in English * Patients with preoperative hemoglobin concentrations \<100g/L * Patients who require emergency re-operation * Patients with intraoperative or postoperative bleeding diathesis * Patients with postoperative clinical instability (eg. low output state) * Patients in whom insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump is required

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Distance walked during 6 minute walk test at 5 weeks postop

Timeframe: 5 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00318227

SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-04-21

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