What preoperative optimization for anemia can be done to increase the hemoglobin concentration?

Authors: Riaz Khan, Vasili Karas, Jonathan Coward

RECOMMENDATION: Literature suggests that the administration of iron and/or erythropoietin (EPO) increases preoperative hemoglobin concentration and decreases the need for postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion. However, iron may only be effective for patients with pre-existing iron deficiencies and is associated with many side effects. Given the high costs of EPO, it’s preoperative administration to avoid transfusion alone has not been found to be cost effective. Further research is required to assess the risks and benefits of preoperative allogeneic blood transfusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 92%, Disagree: 3%, Abstain: 5% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)

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