Blaudszun G, et al. - In this retrospective observational study, researchers tested the hypothesis that women with borderline anaemia (defined by us as haemoglobin concentration 120–129 g.l^-1) would have a higher rate of red cell transfusion, morbidity and mortality, relative to non-anaemic women (haemoglobin ≥ 130 g.l^-1). All adult patients admitted for elective cardiac surgery from January 2013 to April 2016 were included. Of 1388 women who underwent cardiac surgery, pre-operatively, a haemoglobin level < 120 g.l^-1 was detected in 333 (24%); 120–129 g.l^-1 in 408 (29%); and ≥ 130 g.l^-1 in 647 (47%). Although both groups exhibited comparable short- and long-term postoperative survival, borderline anaemia was found to be associated with increased red cell transfusion and prolonged hospital stay.