Gap analysis of pre-operative anaemia rates in surgical patients in SA hospitals

Abstract

> A linked electronic database for the SA public sector containing clinical, epidemiological, transfusion and laboratory data was used. > Adult patients undergoing total arthroplasty of hip (THA), total arthroplasty of knee (TKA), right and left sided colorectal surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and on-bypass cardiac valve replacement surgery during 2008–09 and 2009–10 financial years in five major metropolitan hospitals were included. > Haemoglobin (Hb) levels, red cell indices (MCV and MCH), serum ferritin (if available) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 8 weeks prior to the date of surgery were included in the analysis. > Pre-operative (Pre-op) Hb was defined as the last Hb measure prior to surgery but within the preceding 8 weeks. > Anaemia was defined as Hb levels below the laboratory reference range: There were 3 types of admission categories in the dataset: – Elective – admission of a patient which can be delayed for at least 24 hours – Elective booking list – admission of a patient from a designated booking list for surgery – Emergency – admission of a patient for treatment which is necessary and should occur within 24 hours.