IRONCARE: Iron Treatment in Older Patients With Hip Fractures

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of intravenous (IV) iron therapy compared to alternate-day oral iron treatment and no supplementation in older patients with hip fractures. This study will examine the impact of iron treatment on fatigue, functional decline, fear of falling, cognitive impairment, and quality of life, as well as its effects on iron stores and hemoglobin levels, with the overall goal of improving postoperative rehabilitation. The trial will be conducted on five different hospitals in the Central Region of Denmark (Region Midtjylland).

Inclusion Criteria: * Hip fracture (ICD-10 codes: DS720, DS721 and DS722) * Low energy trauma * Age ≥ 75 years * Hemoglobin ≤7.0 mmol/L (11 g/dL) during hospital admission Exclusion Criteria: * Pathological fracture * Periprosthetic fracture * Inability to understand or speak Danish * Dysphagia and thus inability to swallow study medication * Signs of iron overload, hemochromatosis, or hemosiderosis * Liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis) and transaminase levels \>3 times upper limit of normal * Known allergy to iron formulations * Severe asthma * Severe hypophosphatemia: \ 4