Preoperative anaemia management in elective cardiac surgery: a re-audit of an established patient pathway

Objective: Preoperative anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery and adverse outcomes including stroke, myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, infection, and reduced survival. Red blood cell transfusion is required in approximately 30%–50% of cardiac surgical patients and is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. Patient blood management strategies emphasise early identification and treatment of anaemia, as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the British Society for Haematology guidelines.