Anemia and its Relationship to Mortality and Complications after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract

Background: Several studies over the past two decades have shown an association between anemia before cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and adverse postoperative outcomes, both short- and long-term.

Objectives: To investigate the prognostic impact of anemia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using a cardiopulmonary bypass machine as a retrospective study.

Patients and Methods: The study sample included 250 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2017 and 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: one with preoperative anemia and the other without preoperative anemia. Data were recorded before, during, and after surgery.

Results: Blood transfusion, bleeding and drainage, sternal wound infection, and respiratory complications were higher in the postoperative anemia group, with a statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference was found for the remaining complications. Postoperative mortality was higher in the blood transfusion group, but no statistically significant difference existed.

Conclusions: Preoperative anemia was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and higher mortality, but there was no statistically significant difference.