Influence of Postoperative Anemia on Functional Capacity Recovery in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background: Postoperative anemia (PPA) is a prevalent comorbidity after cardiac surgery. This study investigated the association between functional capacity (FC) recovery and postoperative anemia (PPA). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients who received coronary artery bypass grafting. The lowest hemoglobin (Hb) data during hospitalization was collected. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of hemoglobin (Hb) median value, defined as severe and mild anemia group. Peak oxygen consumption based on the results of a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPXT) after discharge was used as the primary index of functional capacity (FC). For data analysis, T-test and Chi-Square test were used to compare group differences. Logistic regression was performed to compare the functional capacity recovery between groups. Linear regression was used to identify the effects of post-operation infusion in advanced. Statistical significance was a P value of 0.05. Results: Most of the patients were men (73.3%), and the mean age was 64.3 ± 10.5 years. All the patients had postoperative anemia (PPA) during hospitalization. The median value of lowest hemoglobin (Hb) during hospitalization was 8.8 g/dL. Patients in mild anemia group had 3.2-fold higher odds of functional capacity (FC) recovery to 3.5 METs when they discharge from hospital. Even post-operation infusion was given the severe anemia patients would still had worse functional capacity (FC) recovery. Conclusions: Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation Postoperative anemia (PPA) is a notable problem in CABG patients. Patients who have hemoglobin (Hb) levels <8.8 g/dL during hospitalization may not attain the expectedfunctional capacity (FC) after discharge.