Abstract
Background and Objectives
Preoperative anemia has been reported as a risk factor for poor clinical outcomes in various types of surgery. We surveyed the frequency of preoperative anemia as well as its relationship with transfusion requirements in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgeries in Rajaie Cardiovascular Hospital.
 
Materials and Methods
In this descriptive study, 181 adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery at Rajaei cardiovascular medical center were included in a descriptive study between November 2015 and July 2016. Frequency of anemic patients was determined. The frequency of transfusion attempts was compared between anemic and non-anemic patients. The data were analyzed by SPSS 22, t-test, Perason test & c² test.
 
Results
Out of the total number of 181 enrolled patients, 54 (29.8%) of patients were anemic before surgery. Anemia was mild in 33 (61%), moderate in 14 (26%), and severe in 7 (13%) of anemic patients. Transfusion frequency was 77.8% in anemic patients and significantly higher than 39% in non-anemic patients (p < 0.001).
 
Conclusions 
Our data showed that preoperative anemia has considerable  frequency in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. It is associated with higher perioperative transfusion attempts. To prevent inappropriate transfusion, the anemic patients should be identified for anemia correction before surgery.