Research suggests preoperative iron infusions work better than blood transfusions for some anemic patients

In a rigorous medical records study covering tens of thousands of patients, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers conclude that some patients with preoperative anemia have better outcomes if they get iron infusions before surgery rather than standard red blood cell transfusions. The findings, published July 22 in Anesthesia & Analgesia, contribute to mounting evidence that such iron infusions, which boost the production of a person’s own red blood cells, are better than relying on someone else’s blood. “Anemia is incredibly common, especially in surgical patients, and until recently the default treatment has been blood transfusions prior to the procedure,” says Steven Read More