International consensus statement on the peri‐operative management of anaemia and iron deficiency

TLDR

Current pre‑operative anaemia guidelines lack pragmatic guidance for diagnosing and managing anaemia and iron deficiency in surgical patients. The authors aim to deliver best‑practice, evidence‑based statements for peri‑operative anaemia and iron deficiency management and to encourage clinicians and administrators to adopt them. An expert workshop of researchers and clinicians reviewed literature, presented data and local policies, and produced consensus statements.

Abstract

Despite current recommendations on the management of pre-operative anaemia, there is no pragmatic guidance for the diagnosis and management of anaemia and iron deficiency in surgical patients. A number of experienced researchers and clinicians took part in an expert workshop and developed the following consensus statement. After presentation of our own research data and local policies and procedures, appropriate relevant literature was reviewed and discussed. We developed a series of best-practice and evidence-based statements to advise on patient care with respect to anaemia and iron deficiency in the peri-operative period. These statements include: a diagnostic approach for anaemia and iron deficiency in surgical patients; identification of patients appropriate for treatment; and advice on practical management and follow-up. We urge anaesthetists and peri-operative physicians to embrace these recommendations, and hospital administrators to enable implementation of these concepts by allocating adequate resources.