Randomized Study Comparing Ferric Carboxymaltose to Iron Sucrose to Treat Fe Deficiency in the Surgically Critically Ill

Critically ill surgical patients are observed to have a functional iron deficiency which contributes to anemia, iron-deficient erythropoiesis, and an increased red blood cell transfusion requirement. Previously, iron supplementation has been studied in this population with the administration of enteral ferrous sulfate and intravenous iron sucrose but without robust results in resolving serum and bone marrow iron debts. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is novel iron-containing complex that allows for the administration of a large dose of iron over a short infusion period to allow for sustained delivery of iron to target tissues with minimal hypersensitivity reactions. While there has been reported increased efficacy and comparable safety of FCM when compared to iron sucrose in the outpatient setting, there is no data comparing these two medications in surgical critical illness. The aim of this pilot trial is to compare two novel dosing schemes of these medications for treatment of functional iron deficiency in surgical ICU patients. The investigators hypothesize that iron supplementation with FCM, as compared to both iron sucrose and placebo, is more effective and equally safe for replacing the serum iron debt.