Anemia - the Neglected Problem in Patients with Orthopedic Conditions.

Anemia and the necessity of blood product transfusion in perioperative procedures is an important and frequently discussed clinical issue. Presently, a constantly growing interest in this problem is observed among clinicians who search the ways to reduce the number of blood or blood product transfusions in patients after surgical procedures, both during the preoperative period and during and after the surgery. Generally, the decision whether to start transfusion or not should follow the analysis of pros and cons, considering the beneficial effect of transfusion and the risk of undesirable effects. The most effective approach in prophylaxis and treatment of anemia among patients on the orthopedic service should combine surgical anesthetic and pharmacological procedures during the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative periods. The aim of the paper is presenting the latest knowledge of the practical determinants concerning anemia pharmacological treatment, especially considering the principles, value and therapeutic effectiveness of iron supplementation, both at orthopedic injury clinics and outpatient clinics.