ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common condition and a known risk factor for complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. Few studies have evaluated this topic in Latin American countries where this problem can be more important. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of preoperative anemia in 30-day complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study involving patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty aged more than 18 years and did not have any type of malignancy. Two hundred thirty six patients were divided into 2 groups: 58 who had anemia and 178 who did not have anemia. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between anemia as a risk factor for blood transfusions, extended lengths of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. RESULTS: A higher proportion of patients in the anemia group required blood transfusions (24.1% versus 7.3%, < 0.001), ICU admission (39.7% versus 11.2%, P ≤ .001), and a hospital stay of more than 5 days (37.9% versus 11.8%, < .001). Preoperative anemia was identified as a risk factor for requiring transfusions (Odds ratio 3.82, Confidence Interval 95%: 1.47-9.94, P = .006) and ICU admission (Odds ratio 2.48, Confidence interval 95%: 1.11-5.50, P = .026). CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia proved to be a risk factor for requiring blood transfusions and ICU admission. Treating this potentially modifiable risk factor can improve patient morbidity and mortality, while positively impacting healthcare costs, reducing the need for postsurgical services such as ICU management, and extended hospitalizations.