Abstract

Pre-operative anaemia has been linked to poor outcomes in patients undergoing major surgical procedures. As a result, early detection and treatment of pre-operative anaemia is advised.
Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of anaemia in pre-anaesthetic clinic and requirement of perioperative blood transfusion.
Material and methods: The present observational study was done in the department of anaesthesiology at tertiary Centre for the duration of 6 months. A total of 200 patients were included in the study. Patients coming for preanesthetic checkup who were posted for elective surgery and of age 18-65 years were included in the study. According to WHO definition male patients with Hb less then 13gm% and female patients with Hb less then12gm% will be considered anaemic.
Results: The prevalence of preoperative anaemia in the present study was 64.5%. Anaemia was seen most commonly in the age group 21-40 years (34.9%) and most commonly seen in males (56.6%). Anaemia was seen in 23.3% of the patients with co-morbidities. Preoperative blood transfusion was done in 20.2% of the patients with anaemia.
Conclusion: In the preoperative patient, anaemia creates a unique set of challenges. A thorough history and physical examination, as well as a methodical approach to diagnostic testing, are required for an accurate assessment of anaemia.