Richards T, Baikady RR, Clevenger B, et al. - Via performing a double-blind, parallel-group randomized trial, researchers sought to determine if intravenous iron provided to anemic patients before major open elective abdominal surgery would correct anemia, decrease the need for blood transfusions, and improve patient outcomes. Four hundred eighty-seven adult participants were identified with anemia at preoperative hospital visits before elective major open abdominal surgery at 46 UK tertiary care centers and were allocated to receive intravenous iron or placebo 10–42 days before surgery. Outcomes revealed no superiority of preoperative intravenous iron vs placebo in reducing the requirement for blood transfusion when provided to patients with anemia 10–42 days prior to elective major abdominal surgery.