The Effect of Perioperative Anemia on Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Hip Fracture

OBJECTIVES:To describe the epidemiology of perioperative anemia in patients with hip fracture and assess the relationship between the hemoglobin measurements and clinical outcomes. DESIGN:Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING:Four university and community teaching hospitals. PATIENTS:A consecutive cohort of 550 patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture and survived to discharge from August 1997 and August 1998 were evaluated and followed prospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Deaths, readmissions and Functional Independence Motor mobility scores within 60 days of discharge. RESULTS:Anemia (defined as hemoglobin