Intravenous iron before cardiac surgery reduced the amount of blood transfusions

• Intravenous iron before surgery reduced blood transfusions.
• Patients spent more days at home in the first three months.
• The study is published in The BMJ, randomized design.

Anemia often complicates planned cardiac surgical interventions, increasing the risk of the need for blood transfusions. In response to this issue, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of preoperative intravenous administration of iron preparations.

The study involved patients diagnosed with anemia who were scheduled for elective heart surgery. Before the operation, they were given iron-containing preparations intravenously, while the control group was left without such treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the number of red blood cell transfusions performed during the operation and in the postoperative period.

Reduction of transfusions

The results showed that in patients receiving iron, the number of transfusions was reduced by almost half compared to the control group. This reduction was observed both at the time of surgery and during the subsequent recovery, indicating a more stable hemoglobin status in patients after preoperative therapy.

Increase in days at home

In addition to reducing the need for blood, the study revealed a positive effect on quality of life: patients who received iron spent more days alive at home during the first three months after surgery. This metric is often used as an indicator of a quicker return to normal life and a reduction in the burden on rehabilitation services.

The authors of the study emphasize that preoperative iron administration is a relatively simple and safe strategy that can reduce the burden on blood banks and lower the risk of complications associated with blood transfusions, such as reactive reactions or transmission of infections.

In the context of the growing demand for healthcare resources, especially in countries with limited blood supply capabilities, such approaches may become an important element in optimizing preoperative preparation. However, specialists note the need for further research to clarify optimal dosages and patient selection criteria.

Overall, the obtained data confirm that correcting iron deficiency anemia before cardiac surgery can improve both clinical and rehabilitation outcomes, making the treatment process safer and more effective.

Source: N+1