IV iron infusion therapy in patients with persistent pain

Chronic pain — pain that persists for more than 3 months — affects millions of people and is one of the leading causes of disability. What is less commonly recognised is that iron deficiency is very common in people with chronic pain, occurring in nearly 60% of patients in a recent pilot study. Iron deficiency causes fatigue and may worsen pain sensitivity, but it often goes undetected and untreated in pain clinic patients. This Brisbane study will test whether treating iron deficiency with an intravenous (IV) iron infusion improves fatigue, quality of life, and pain levels in people with chronic pain who are iron deficient. Half of participants will receive IV iron and half will receive a saline placebo infusion, and outcomes will be measured using validated questionnaires over several months. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have had pain lasting more than 12 months, and have confirmed iron deficiency (low ferritin levels) with or without anaemia. People with blood disorders, pregnancy, active iron supplementation, recent surgery, or who are unable to give informed consent are not eligible.