Resumen ejecutivo del documento de consenso sobre el manejo de la anemia perioperatoria en España / Executive summary of the consensus document on the management of perioperative anemia in Spain

La anemia perioperatoria constituye un factor independiente de riesgo de morbimortalidad posoperatoria. Sin embargo, persisten barreras conceptuales, logísticas y administrativas que dificultan la implementación generalizada de protocolos para su manejo. El coordinador del proyecto convocó a un grupo multidisciplinar de ocho profesionales para elaborar un documento de consenso sobre el manejo de la anemia perioperatoria, con base a en serie puntos claves (PCs) relativos a su prevalencia, consecuencias, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Estos PCs fueron evaluados utilizando una escala Likert de 5 puntos, desde «totalmente en desacuerdo [1]» a «totalmente de acuerdo [5]». Cada PC se consideró consensuado si recibía una puntuación de 4 o 5 por al menos siete participantes (> 75%). A partir de los 36 PCs consensuados, se construyeron algoritmos diagnóstico-terapéuticos que pueden facilitar la implementación de programas de identificación precoz y manejo adecuado de la anemia perioperatoria, adaptados a las características de las instituciones hospitalarias de nuestro país.(AU)

Perioperative anemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, conceptual, logistical and administrative barriers persist that hinder the widespread implementation of protocols for their management. The project coordinator convened a multidisciplinary group of 9 experienced professionals to develop perioperative anemia management algorithms, based on a series of key points (KPs) related to its prevalence, consequences, diagnosis and treatment. These KPs were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, from “strongly disagree [1]” to “strongly agree [5]”. For each KP, consensus was reached when receiving a score of 4 or 5 from at least 7 participants (>75%). Based on the 36 KPs agreed upon, diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms were developed that we believe can facilitate the implementation of programs for early identification and adequate management of perioperative anemia, adapted to the characteristics of the different institutions in our country.(AU)

Executive summary of the consensus document on the management of perioperative anemia in Spain.

Perioperative anemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, conceptual, logistical and administrative barriers persist that hinder the widespread implementation of protocols for their management. The project coordinator convened a multidisciplinary group of 8 experienced professionals to develop perioperative anemia management algorithms, based on a series of key points (KPs) related to its prevalence, consequences, diagnosis and treatment. These KPs were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, from "strongly disagree [1]" to "strongly agree [5]". For each KP, consensus was reached when receiving a score of 4 or 5 from at least 7 participants (>75%). Based on the 36 KPs agreed upon, diagnostic-therapeutic algorithms were developed that we believe can facilitate the implementation of programs for early identification and adequate management of perioperative anemia, adapted to the characteristics of the different institutions in our country.

Foro de debate: seguridad de las alternativas a la transfusión alogénica en el paciente quirúrgico y/o crítico / Forum for debate: Safety of allogeneic blood transfusion alternatives in the surgical/critically ill patient

Estos últimos años han aparecido alertas de seguridad, no siempre bien sustentadas, que cuestionan el uso de algunas alternativas farmacológicas a la transfusión de sangre alogénica y/o lo restringen en indicaciones establecidas. Asistimos también a la preconización de otras alternativas, incluyendo productos hemáticos y fármacos antifibrinolíticos, sin que haya una base científica sólida que lo justifique. Por iniciativa del Grupo de Estudios Multidisciplinares sobre Autotransfusión y del Anemia Working Group España se reunió a un panel multidisciplinar de 23 expertos del área de cuidados de la salud en un foro de debate para: 1) analizar las diferentes alertas de seguridad en torno a ciertas alternativas a la transfusión; 2) estudiar los antecedentes que las han propiciado, la evidencia que las sustentan y las consecuencias que conllevan para la práctica clínica, y 3) emitir una valoración argumentada de la seguridad de cada alternativa a la transfusión cuestionada, según el uso clínico de la misma. Los integrantes del foro mantuvieron contactos por vía telemática y una reunión presencial en la que presentaron y discutieron las conclusiones sobre cada uno de los elementos examinados. Se elaboró un primer documento que fue sometido a 4 rondas de revisión y actualización hasta alcanzar un consenso, unánime en la mayoría de los casos. Presentamos la versión final del documento, aprobada por todos los miembros del panel, esperando sea de utilidad para nuestros colegas

In recent years, several safety alerts have questioned or restricted the use of some pharmacological alternatives to allogeneic blood transfusion in established indications. In contrast, there seems to be a promotion of other alternatives, based on blood products and/or antifibrinolytic drugs, which lack a solid scientific basis. The Multidisciplinary Autotransfusion Study Group and the Anemia Working Group España convened a multidisciplinary panel of 23 experts belonging to different healthcare areas in a forum for debate to: 1) analyze the different safety alerts referred to certain transfusion alternatives; 2) study the background leading to such alternatives, the evidence supporting them, and their consequences for everyday clinical practice, and 3) issue a weighted statement on the safety of each questioned transfusion alternative, according to its clinical use. The members of the forum maintained telematics contact for the exchange of information and the distribution of tasks, and a joint meeting was held where the conclusions on each of the items examined were presented and discussed. A first version of the document was drafted, and subjected to 4 rounds of review and updating until consensus was reached (unanimously in most cases). We present the final version of the document, approved by all panel members, and hope it will be useful for our colleagues

[Implementation of blood sparing programs in Spain: results of a survey of departments of anesthesiology and resuscitation]. / Implementación de los programas de ahorro de sangre en España: resultados de la encuesta a los servicios de anestesiología y reanimación.

The objective of this article is to determine the availability of a perioperative transfusion management program (Patient Blood Management [PBM]) in various hospitals through a survey that included a description of the preanesthesia visit, the availability and use of the various blood-sparing techniques and the factors limiting their implementation in elective surgery. The survey included 42 questions, directed at the representative departments of anesthesiology of hospitals in Spain (n=91). The survey was conducted from September to November 2012. We analyzed the 82 surveys in which all the questions were answered (90%). Preoperative consultations are routinely performed (>70%) in 87% of the hospitals. The time from the consultation to surgery varied between 1 week and 2 months for 74% of the patients scheduled for orthopedic or trauma surgery, 78% of those scheduled for oncologic surgery and 77% of those scheduled for cardiac surgery. Almost all hospitals (77, 94%) had a transfusion committee, and 90% of them had an anesthesiologist on the committee. Seventy-nine percent of the hospitals had a blood-sparing program, and the most widely used technique was the use of antifibrinolytic agents (75% of hospitals), followed by intraoperative and postoperative blood recovery in equal proportions (67%). Optimization of preoperative hemoglobin was routinely performed with intravenous iron in 39% of the hospitals and with recombinant erythropoietin in 28% of the hospitals. The absence of a well-established circuit and the lack of involvement and collaboration with the surgical team were the main limiting factors in implementing PBM. Currently, the implementation of PBM in Spain could be considered acceptable, but it could also be improved, especially in the treatment of preoperative anemia. The implementation of PBM requires multidisciplinary collaboration among all personnel responsible for perioperative care, including the health authorities.

[The first pillar of patient blood management. Types of anemia and diagnostic parameters]. / Primer pilar del "Patient Blood Management". Tipos de anemia y parámetros diagnósticos.

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the design of a personalized, multimodal multidisciplinary plan for minimizing transfusion and simultaneously achieving a positive impact on patient outcomes. The first pillar of PBM consists of optimizing the erythrocyte mass. The best chance for this step is offered by preoperative preparation. In most cases, a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will identify the cause of anemia. A correct evaluation of parameters that assess the state and function of iron, such as ferritin levels, and the parameters that measure functional iron, such as transferrin saturation and soluble transferrin receptor levels, provide us with essential information for guiding the treatment with iron. The new blood count analyzers that measure hypochromia (% of hypochromic red blood cells and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentrations) provide us useful information for the diagnosis and follow-up of the response to iron treatment. Measuring serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels is essential for treating deficiencies and thereby achieving better hemoglobin optimization.

[Algorithm for treating preoperative anemia]. / Algoritmo para el tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria.

Hemoglobin optimization and treatment of preoperative anemia in surgery with a moderate to high risk of surgical bleeding reduces the rate of transfusions and improves hemoglobin levels at discharge and can also improve postoperative outcomes. To this end, we need to schedule preoperative visits sufficiently in advance to treat the anemia. The treatment algorithm we propose comes with a simple checklist to determine whether we should refer the patient to a specialist or if we can treat the patient during the same visit. With the blood count test and additional tests for iron metabolism, inflammation parameter and glomerular filtration rate, we can decide whether to start the treatment with intravenous iron alone or erythropoietin with or without iron. With significant anemia, a visit after 15 days might be necessary to observe the response and supplement the treatment if required. The hemoglobin objective will depend on the type of surgery and the patient's characteristics.

[Therapeutic approach to postoperative anemia]. / Aproximación terapéutica a la anemia postoperatoria.

Postoperative anemia is a common finding in patients who undergo major surgery, and it can affect early rehabilitation and the return to daily activities. Allogeneic blood transfusion is still the most widely used method for restoring hemoglobin levels rapidly and effectively. However, the potential risks of transfusions have led to the review of this practice and to a search for alternative measures for treating postoperative anemia. The early administration of intravenous iron appears to improve the evolution of postoperative hemoglobin levels and reduce allogeneic transfusions, especially in patients with significant iron deficiency or anemia. What is not clear is whether this treatment heavily influences rehabilitation and quality of life. There is a lack of well-designed, sufficiently large, randomized prospective studies to determine whether postoperative or perioperative intravenous iron treatment, with or without recombinant erythropoietin, has a role in the recovery from postoperative anemia, in reducing transfusions and morbidity rates and in improving exercise capacity and quality of life.

[Treatment of preoperative anemia in major orthopedic surgery]. / Tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria en cirugía ortopédica mayor.

The prevalence of preoperative anemia in major orthopedic surgery is high and is the main predictive factor for allogeneic blood transfusion. The scheduling of a preoperative visit with sufficient notice (at least 3 weeks before surgery), with a blood count test and a basic iron metabolism study, enables us to treat the anemia and/or improve preoperative hemoglobin levels, thereby reducing the need for transfusion and the risks associated with transfusions. Intravenous iron and/or erythropoietin are treatments for optimizing preoperative anemia, with good levels of scientific evidence.

[Treatment of anemia in Patient Blood Management from an economic perspective]. / Tratamiento de la anemia en el "Patient Blood Management" desde una perspectiva económica.

The liberal use of transfusions is not only a risk for patients but also represents a significant healthcare expenditure. The rational use of allogeneic blood transfusions and the use of transfusion alternatives, such as the optimization of preoperative hemoglobin levels, can offer substantial savings to health departments by reducing the cost of transfusions and the morbidity related to the transfusions.

Forum for debate: Safety of allogeneic blood transfusion alternatives in the surgical/critically ill patient.

In recent years, several safety alerts have questioned or restricted the use of some pharmacological alternatives to allogeneic blood transfusion in established indications. In contrast, there seems to be a promotion of other alternatives, based on blood products and/or antifibrinolytic drugs, which lack a solid scientific basis. The Multidisciplinary Autotransfusion Study Group and the Anemia Working Group España convened a multidisciplinary panel of 23 experts belonging to different healthcare areas in a forum for debate to: 1) analyze the different safety alerts referred to certain transfusion alternatives; 2) study the background leading to such alternatives, the evidence supporting them, and their consequences for everyday clinical practice, and 3) issue a weighted statement on the safety of each questioned transfusion alternative, according to its clinical use. The members of the forum maintained telematics contact for the exchange of information and the distribution of tasks, and a joint meeting was held where the conclusions on each of the items examined were presented and discussed. A first version of the document was drafted, and subjected to 4 rounds of review and updating until consensus was reached (unanimously in most cases). We present the final version of the document, approved by all panel members, and hope it will be useful for our colleagues.

Optimización del paciente quirúrgico con riesgo de transfusión. «Patient Blood Management»: el nuevo paradigma de la medicina perioperatoria / Optimization of surgical patients at risk of transfusion. Patient blood management: the new paradigm of perioperative medicine

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Implementación de los programas de ahorro de sangre en España: resultados de la encuesta a los servicios de anestesiología y reanimación / Implementation of blood sparing programs in Spain: results of a survey of departments of anesthesiology and resuscitation

El objetivo de este artículo es conocer la disponibilidad de un programa de gestión de la transfusión perioperatoria («Patient Blood Management») en distintos hospitales a través de una encuesta que incluía una descripción de la visita preanestésica, la disponibilidad y utilización de las diferentes técnicas de ahorro de sangre y los factores limitantes de su implementación para cirugía programada. La encuesta constaba de 42 preguntas dirigidas a servicios de anestesiología representativos de los hospitales del territorio español (n = 91), y se realizó durante los meses de septiembre a noviembre de 2012. Fueron analizadas las 82 encuestas que contestaron a todas las preguntas (90%). La consulta preoperatoria se realizó de forma habitual (> 70%) en el 87% de los hospitales. El tiempo desde la consulta hasta la cirugía osciló entre 1 semana y 3 meses en el 74% de pacientes programados para cirugía ortopédica y traumatológica, en el 78% de cirugía oncológica y en el 77% de cirugía cardíaca. Casi la totalidad de hospitales, 77 (94%), disponen de comité de transfusión, con presencia del anestesiólogo en el 90% de ellos. Se dispone de un programa de ahorro de sangre en el 79% de los hospitales y la técnica más frecuentemente utilizada es el uso de antifibrinolíticos en el 75% de los hospitales, seguida de la recuperación de sangre intra y postoperatoria en parecida proporción (67%). La optimización de la hemoglobina preoperatoria se realiza con hierro intravenoso de forma habitual en el 39% de los hospitales y con eritropoyetina recombinante en el 28%. La ausencia de un circuito bien establecido y la falta de implicación y colaboración con el equipo quirúrgico se presentan como los principales factores limitantes de la implantación del «Patient Blood Management». En la actualidad, su aplicación en España se puede considerar aceptable, pero podrían mejorarse aspectos, especialmente en el tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria. La implementación del «Patient Blood Management» requiere colaboración multidisciplinar de todo el personal responsable de la atención perioperatoria, incluidas las autoridades sanitarias (AU)

The objective of this article is to determine the availability of a perioperative transfusion management program (Patient Blood Management [PBM]) in various hospitals through a survey that included a description of the preanesthesia visit, the availability and use of the various blood-sparing techniques and the factors limiting their implementation in elective surgery. The survey included 42 questions, directed at the representative departments of anesthesiology of hospitals in Spain (n=91). The survey was conducted from September to November 2012. We analyzed the 82 surveys in which all the questions were answered (90%). Preoperative consultations are routinely performed (>70%) in 87% of the hospitals. The time from the consultation to surgery varied between 1 week and 2 months for 74% of the patients scheduled for orthopedic or trauma surgery, 78% of those scheduled for oncologic surgery and 77% of those scheduled for cardiac surgery. Almost all hospitals (77, 94%) had a transfusion committee, and 90% of them had an anesthesiologist on the committee. Seventy-nine percent of the hospitals had a blood-sparing program, and the most widely used technique was the use of antifibrinolytic agents (75% of hospitals), followed by intraoperative and postoperative blood recovery in equal proportions (67%). Optimization of preoperative hemoglobin was routinely performed with intravenous iron in 39% of the hospitals and with recombinant erythropoietin in 28% of the hospitals. The absence of a well-established circuit and the lack of involvement and collaboration with the surgical team were the main limiting factors in implementing PBM. Currently, the implementation of PBM in Spain could be considered acceptable, but it could also be improved, especially in the treatment of preoperative anemia. The implementation of PBM requires multidisciplinary collaboration among all personnel responsible for perioperative care, including the health authorities (AU)

Primer pilar del «Patient Blood Management». Tipos de anemia y parámetros diagnósticos / The first pillar of patient blood management. Types of anemia and diagnostic parameters

Llamamos «Patient Blood Management» al diseño de un plan personalizado multimodal y multidisciplinar para minimizar la transfusión y, al mismo tiempo, conseguir un impacto positivo sobre la evolución de los pacientes. El primer pilar del «Patient Blood Management» incluye la optimización de la masa eritrocitaria, y la mejor oportunidad para esta acción la ofrece la preparación preoperatoria. Una historia clínica detallada, el examen físico y una determinación analítica identificarán, en la mayoría de casos, la causa de la anemia. Una correcta evaluación de los parámetros que valoran el estado y la función del hierro, como la ferritina, y los parámetros que miden el hierro funcional, como la saturación de la transferrina y el receptor soluble de la transferrina, nos aportan una información esencial para guiar el tratamiento con hierro. Los nuevos analizadores de hemograma que determinan la hipocromía (porcentaje de hematíes hipocrómicos y la concentración de hemoglobina reticulocitaria), nos aportan una información útil para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la respuesta al tratamiento con hierro. La determinación de valores séricos de ácido fólico y vitamina B12 es fundamental para tratar los déficits y conseguir así una mejor optimización de la hemoglobina (AU)

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the design of a personalized, multimodal multidisciplinary plan for minimizing transfusion and simultaneously achieving a positive impact on patient outcomes. The first pillar of PBM consists of optimizing the erythrocyte mass. The best chance for this step is offered by preoperative preparation. In most cases, a detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will identify the cause of anemia. A correct evaluation of parameters that assess the state and function of iron, such as ferritin levels, and the parameters that measure functional iron, such as transferrin saturation and soluble transferrin receptor levels, provide us with essential information for guiding the treatment with iron. The new blood count analyzers that measure hypochromia (% of hypochromic red blood cells and reticulocyte hemoglobin concentrations) provide us useful information for the diagnosis and follow-up of the response to iron treatment. Measuring serum folic acid and vitamin B12 levels is essential for treating deficiencies and thereby achieving better hemoglobin optimization (AU)

Algoritmo para el tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria / Algorithm for treating preoperative anemia

La optimización de la hemoglobina o el tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria en cirugía con riesgo moderado-alto de sangrado quirúrgico reduce la tasa de transfusión y puede mejorar la evolución postoperatoria, así como la hemoglobina al alta. Para ello se requiere programar una visita preoperatoria con suficiente antelación para poderla corregir. El algoritmo de tratamiento que proponemos se acompaña de un «check list» sencillo para saber si debemos remitir al paciente al especialista o podemos tratarlo en ese mismo momento. Con el hemograma, algún test complementario del metabolismo del hierro, un parámetro de inflamación y la tasa de filtrado glomerular podremos decidir si iniciar el tratamiento con hierro intravenoso solo o asociar eritropoyetina, con o sin hierro. En la anemia importante puede ser necesaria alguna visita de control a los 15 días, para ver la respuesta y complementar el tratamiento, si el paciente lo precisa. La hemoglobina objetivo dependerá del tipo de cirugía y las características del paciente (AU)

Hemoglobin optimization and treatment of preoperative anemia in surgery with a moderate to high risk of surgical bleeding reduces the rate of transfusions and improves hemoglobin levels at discharge and can also improve postoperative outcomes. To this end, we need to schedule preoperative visits sufficiently in advance to treat the anemia. The treatment algorithm we propose comes with a simple checklist to determine whether we should refer the patient to a specialist or if we can treat the patient during the same visit. With the blood count test and additional tests for iron metabolism, inflammation parameter and glomerular filtration rate, we can decide whether to start the treatment with intravenous iron alone or erythropoietin with or without iron. With significant anemia, a visit after 15 days might be necessary to observe the response and supplement the treatment if required. The hemoglobin objective will depend on the type of surgery and the patient’s characteristics (AU)

Aproximación terapéutica a la anemia postoperatoria / Therapeutic approach to postoperative anemia

La anemia postoperatoria es un hallazgo común en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor, y puede condicionar la rehabilitación precoz y la reincorporación a su actividad habitual. La transfusión de sangre alogénica sigue siendo el método comúnmente utilizado para la restauración de los valores de hemoglobina de manera rápida y eficaz. Sin embargo, los riesgos potenciales de la transfusión han llevado a la revisión de esta práctica transfusional y a la búsqueda de medidas alternativas para el tratamiento de la anemia postoperatoria. A este respecto parece que la administración precoz de hierro intravenoso puede mejorar la evolución de la hemoglobina postoperatoria y reducir la transfusión alogénica, sobre todo en pacientes con déficit de hierro o anemia importante. Lo que no está muy claro es si ello influye de manera muy relevante en la rehabilitación o calidad de vida en este contexto. Faltan estudios prospectivos aleatorizados bien diseñados y adecuadamente dimensionados para saber si el tratamiento con hierro intravenoso postoperatorio o perioperatorio, con o sin eritropoyetina recombinante, tiene un papel en la recuperación de la anemia postoperatoria, en la reducción de la transfusión y la morbilidad y en la mejoría de la capacidad de esfuerzo y la calidad de vida (AU)

Postoperative anemia is a common finding in patients who undergo major surgery, and it can affect early rehabilitation and the return to daily activities. Allogeneic blood transfusion is still the most widely used method for restoring hemoglobin levels rapidly and effectively. However, the potential risks of transfusions have led to the review of this practice and to a search for alternative measures for treating postoperative anemia. The early administration of intravenous iron appears to improve the evolution of postoperative hemoglobin levels and reduce allogeneic transfusions, especially in patients with significant iron deficiency or anemia. What is not clear is whether this treatment heavily influences rehabilitation and quality of life. There is a lack of well-designed, sufficiently large, randomized prospective studies to determine whether postoperative or perioperative intravenous iron treatment, with or without recombinant erythropoietin, has a role in the recovery from postoperative anemia, in reducing transfusions and morbidity rates and in improving exercise capacity and quality of life (AU)

Tratamiento de la anemia preoperatoria en cirugía ortopédica mayor / Treatment of preoperative anemia in major orthopedic surgery

La prevalencia de anemia preoperatoria en cirugía ortopédica mayor es elevada y es el principal factor predictivo de transfusión de sangre alogénica. La programación de una visita preoperatoria con suficiente antelación (al menos 3 semanas antes de la cirugía), con un hemograma y un estudio básico del metabolismo del hierro, nos permitirá tratar la anemia o mejorar la hemoglobina preoperatoria y reducir así la transfusión y sus riesgos asociados. El hierro intravenoso y/o la eritropoyetina son tratamientos para la optimización de la anemia preoperatoria, con un buen nivel de evidencia científica (AU)

The prevalence of preoperative anemia in major orthopedic surgery is high and is the main predictive factor for allogeneic blood transfusion. The scheduling of a preoperative visit with sufficient notice (at least 3 weeks before surgery), with a blood count test and a basic iron metabolism study, enables us to treat the anemia and/or improve preoperative hemoglobin levels, thereby reducing the need for transfusion and the risks associated with transfusions. Intravenous iron and/or erythropoietin are treatments for optimizing preoperative anemia, with good levels of scientific evidence (AU)

Tratamiento de la anemia en el «Patient Blood Management» desde una perspectiva económica / Treatment of anemia in Patient Blood Management from an economic perspective

Un uso liberal de la transfusión no solo es un riesgo para los pacientes, sino que supone un importante gasto sanitario. Un uso racional de la transfusión de sangre alogénica y el uso de alternativas a la transfusión, como la optimización de la hemoglobina preoperatoria, pueden ofrecer un ahorro sustancial a los servicios de salud, al reducir el coste de la transfusión y de la morbilidad relacionada con esta (AU)

The liberal use of transfusions is not only a risk for patients but also represents a significant healthcare expenditure. The rational use of allogeneic blood transfusions and the use of transfusion alternatives, such as the optimization of preoperative hemoglobin levels, can offer substantial savings to health departments by reducing the cost of transfusions and the morbidity related to the transfusions (AU)

Eficacia del hierro intravenoso en el tratamiento de la anemia del paciente quirúrgico / Efficacy of intravenous iron for treating anaemia of the surgical patient

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[Low-dose aspirin doesn't increase surgical bleeding nor transfusion rate in total knee arthroplasty]. / El tratamiento preoperatorio con aspirina a dosis bajas no aumenta la hemorragia quirúrgica ni la tasa transfusional en la prótesis total de rodilla.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical bleeding. transfusion rate and cardiovascular complications were analized in patients undergoing chronic treatment with low-doses aspirin and scheduled to unilateral primary knee arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 117 patients between 2005 and 2006 scheduled for elective knee replacement that received antiplatelet therapy with aspirin (100mg/day). Aspirin medication was maintained or discontinued preoperatively according to medical criteria. We analyzed the biological, clinical and anesthetic data, blood-saving techniques used, surgical bleeding, allogeneic blood transfusion rate, cardiocirculatory complications (myocardial, cerebral or peripheral ischemia), hospital stay and mortality. This population was compared with 190 patients (control group) who underwent the same operation at the same time interval but did not receive aspirin therapy. RESULTS: The aspirin-treated group was significantly older, with higher weight and poorer health state (higher incidence of ischemic heart disease, cerebral ischemia and diabetes). The hidden and external surgical bleeding and transfusion rate were similar if the aspirin were interrupted or not, preoperatively. Bleeding and transfusion rates were independent of time of interruption of the aspirin. Hospital mortality was zero in the 2 groups. A acute myocardial infarction and a transient stroke happened in two patients wich aspirin treatment was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative treatment with low doses of aspirin does not increase surgical bleeding and transfusion rate in total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative discontinuation can cause severe cardiocirculatory complications.