Clinics in geriatric medicine
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Anemia in the elderly is common and is associated with exposure to blood transfusion and higher perioperative morbidity and mortality. These patients would benefit from early diagnosis and work-up of the cause of preoperative anemia systematically. ⋯ Intravenous iron leads to a more rapid hemoglobin response, and is devoid of gastrointestinal side effects. More data are needed to determine if preoperative correction of iron-deficiency anemia reduces the morbidity associated with anemia.