Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Abstract

Assessing the Frequency Investigation and Management of Post-Operative Anaemia in Hip Fracture Patients

David McCormack*, Orla Costigan, Emily McGarry, Shane O’Hanlon and Conor Hurson

Background: Post-operative anaemia affects up to 90% of patients undergoing major surgery. Post-operative anaemia can contribute to slower rehabilitation, increased morbidity, and increased mortality.

Purpose: We aimed to examine the frequency, investigation, and management of anaemia in patients admitted to an Irish, tertiary level hospital (SVUH) with a hip fracture.

Methods: A retrospective audit, examining all patients who were admitted to SVUH with a hip fracture between the 1^st of April and the 30^th of June 2020, was performed.

Results: A total of 58 patients were included. Upon admission, 29.3% (n=17) of patients were anaemic. Postoperatively, 91.4% of patients (n=53) were anaemic, 43.1% (n=25) of patients had iron studies, ferritin, folate and B12 levels measured. Iron deficiency anaemia was detected in 22.4% (n=13) of patients, folate deficiency was detected in 10.3% (n=6), and no patients were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Of the patients with iron deficiency anaemia, 15.4% (n=2) were given IV iron infusions and 7.7% (n=1) received a prescription for oral iron. Of the 6 patients with folate deficiency, 33.3% (n=2) received a prescription for folic acid. Red cell transfusions were given to 13.8% (n=8) of patients. Upon discharge, 89.7% (n=52) of patients remained anaemic.

Conclusions: Anaemia is an under-investigated and under-treated complication of hip fractures.

Published Date: 2022-06-20; Received Date: 2022-05-20