Brown study shows role of pre-op red cell levels

PROVIDENCE – A new study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University shows patients with even slightly abnormal red blood cell counts – too high or too low – are at greater risk of post-operative death or cardiac events following major non-cardiac surgery.
The researchers focused on men over 65. Elderly patients are at risk for abnormal red cell counts, and they are also likelier to have heart disease, which makes them more vulnerable to the stresses of surgery and puts them at greater risk of post-op complications.
The study, published in the June 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that even levels previously considered normal can increase risks.
The new information is expected to help guide doctors in interpreting red cell tests – which are near-universally used – and to help them prepare accordingly to improve outcomes.

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