[Research progress of anemia associated with inflammatory bowel diseases].

Abstract

Anemia is a frequent and serious complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease suffers from recurrent anemia. Anemia is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and an increased rate of hospitalization. A number of studies have been conducted and the most relevant conclusions obtained are:(1)anemia is quite common in IBD; (2)although in many cases anemia parallels the clinical activity of the disease, many patients in remission have anemia, and iron, vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency;(3)anemia, and also iron deficiency without anemia, have important consequences in the clinical status and quality of life of the patients;(4)oral iron supplement is limited by poor absorption, intolerance, and induction of oxidative stress at the site of bowel inflammation; (5) intravenous iron sucrose has a high efficiency and a significant improvement in the quality of life; (6)erythropoietin is needed in a significant number of cases to achieve normal hemoglobin levels. Combination therapy with erythropoietin leads to a faster and larger hemoglobin increase. Thus, clinicians caring for IBD patients should have a comprehensive knowledge of anemia, and apply recently published guidelines in clinical practice.

• Authors: Zhi-wu Hong, Jian-an Ren
• Journal: Zhonghua wei chang wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of gastrointestinal surgery (Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi) Vol. 15 Issue 6 Pg. 644-7 (Jun 2012) ISSN: 1671-0274 [Print] China
• PMID: 22736141 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Anemia (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (complications)