Abstract

Postoperative anemia remains a critical concern due to its association with adverse surgical outcomes. To address this issue, our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intravenous iron therapy in promptly correcting anemia following surgery. Materials and Methods: Our study involved the prospective enrollment of patients undergoing elective orthopedic and general surgery, who were then randomized into two distinct groups: the Control group receiving placebo, and the Iron Group receiving intravenous iron therapy. Blood tests were conducted preoperatively as baseline measurements and on several postoperative days (PODs) - specifically PODs 1, 3, and 7. Results: Throughout the postoperative period, both groups exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations compared to their respective baselines, with no statistically significant differences in postoperative Hb levels observed between the groups. Moreover, both groups demonstrated elevated serum erythropoietin, ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels, along with an increased reticulocyte count surpassing normal ranges. A considerable decline in serum iron levels was observed in both groups postoperatively. No substantial inter-group variances in hepcidin levels were identified. Conclusion: Our study indicated an absence of significant efficacy in correcting postoperative anemia among orthopedic and surgery patients, despite inducing higher reticulocyte counts within the initial week following the surgical procedure. Also, we discourage the practice of Vitamin B12 administration during the early postoperative period.

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