The incidence and factors associated with anemia in elective surgical patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Anemia is a frequently reported and commonly documented issue in intensive care units. In surgical intensive care units, more than 90% of patients are found to be anemic. It is a hematologic factor that contributes to extended mechanical ventilation, sepsis, organ failure, longer hospitalizations in critical care units, and higher mortality.