Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of pre-operative anemia in cardiac surgery and its association with outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of clinical, laboratory and transfusion data for all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at a University Hospital between 2008 and 2014 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, anemic and non-anemic, defined as hemoglobin < 13 g/dl (males) and < 12 g/dl (females). Clinical variables were compared using Chi-square and independent t-tests. Factors influencing pre-operative mortality were analyzed using multivariate binary logistics regression. Results: A total of 599 patients (70% of males, 30% of females) were included, 69.3% underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Pre-operative anemia was found in 76% and 27% of females and male patients respectively. Rates of intra-operative red blood cell transfusions were higher among anemic patients (76.2% vs. 52.7%, p<0.001). Anemic patients had a worse risk profile with higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (54% vs. 38.9%, p <0.001), congestive heart failure (51.6% vs. 28.5%, p<0.001), arrhythmia (16.5% vs. 8.6%, p=0.004) and cerebrovascular disease (10.1% vs. 4.9%, p=0.015). In addition, they had a higher risk of overall mortality (6.4% vs. 2.6%, p= 0.023). Per-operative anemia remained as a risk factor for intra-operative mortality after logistic regression (p=0.009, Odds Ratio 4.08, 95% CI 1.43-11.66). Conclusions: Pre-operative anemia in cardiac surgery is independently associated with increased intra-operative mortality and early readmission rates post-surgery.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of pre-operative anemia in cardiac surgery and its association with outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of clinical, laboratory and transfusion data for all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at a University Hospital...