Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Management and perceptions of anemia and iron deficiency prior to cardiac surgery

Sebastián Garcia-Zamora1, Andrés Arteaga-Arellano2, Joaquín Perea3

  • 1Servicio de Cardiología, Sanatorio Delta, Rosario, Argentina. Servicio de Cardiología Sanatorio Delta Rosario Argentina.

Archivos Peruanos De Cardiologia Y Cirugia Cardiovascular
|June 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Anemia and iron deficiency are common in cardiovascular patients undergoing heart surgery. However, Latin American doctors show significant gaps in screening, treatment, and education for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hematology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are prevalent in cardiovascular disease patients.
  • These conditions increase morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery.
  • Limited data exists on their management in Ibero-America.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Latin American physicians regarding anemia and ID in the perioperative cardiac surgery setting.
  • To identify gaps in current clinical practice compared to available evidence.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous electronic survey.
  • The survey was distributed between January and August 2025.
  • Snowball sampling included physicians involved in the care of patients before cardiac surgery.

Main Results:

  • 881 physicians from 23 countries responded.
  • Routine anemia screening was reported by 83.7%, but only 43.7% assessed for ID.
  • Only 18.2% had institutional protocols; 11.8% administered IV iron for anemia/ID.
  • Despite 46.9% having access to IV iron, only 26.6% prescribed it preoperatively.
  • 54.8% felt inadequately prepared due to lack of specific training.

Conclusions:

  • Significant discrepancies exist between evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice for preoperative anemia and ID management.
  • There is a clear need for institutional protocols and enhanced specialized medical education in Ibero-America.
  • Improving perioperative care for these conditions is crucial for better patient outcomes in cardiac surgery.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnemiaCirugía CardíacaCuidado PerioperatorioDeficiencia de HierroEncuestas y Cuestionarios

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