Korean J Gastroenterol.  2015 Mar;65(3):145-150. 10.4166/kjg.2015.65.3.145.

Management of Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Kim KO

• KMID: 2373199
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2015.65.3.145

Abstract

Anemia is one of the commonest extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The pathogenesis of anemia in IBD is complex but iron deficiency combined with inflammation is the most common factor related to the development of anemia. However, other causes such as vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, hemolysis, myelosuppression and drug also should not be overlooked. In addition to ferritin, inflammatory markers and new biochemical parameters such as hepcidin and ferritin index are being tested as diagnostic a tool. First step for treatment is disease activity control and iron supplementation. Although oral iron is widely used, intravenous iron therapy should be considered in patients who are intolerant to oral iron therapy, have severe and refractory anemia or are in active disease state. Recently, new intravenous iron formulations have been introduced and due to their safety and easy usage, they have become the standard treatment modality for managing anemia in IBD. Erythropoietin and transfusion can be considered in specific situations. Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation is also important in patients who are deficient of these micronutrients. Since anemia in IBD patients could significantly influence the disease outcome, further studies and standard guideline for IBD are needed.

Keyword

Anemia; Inflammatory bowel diseases; Iron deficiency; Inflammation

MeSH Terms

Anemia/*drug therapy/etiology
Biomarkers/analysis
Ferritins/analysis
Hepcidins/analysis
Humans
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications/*diagnosis
Iron/*therapeutic use
Vitamin B 12/therapeutic use
Biomarkers
Hepcidins
Ferritins
Iron
Vitamin B 12

Reference

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