[Prevalence and characteristics of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease].
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and clinical and laboratory characteristics of anemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).


METHODS
We performed an observational, descriptive, retrospective study in patients with IBD followed-up between 2002 and 2004 in our center.


RESULTS
A total of 253 patients were included. The mean age was 46 years and 54% were male. Crohn's disease was present in 53% and ulcerative colitis in 47%. Anemia was found in 30% of the patients, of whom 67% showed associated iron-deficiency anemia. The presence of anemia was associated with greater IBD activity, steroid use, need for hospital admission and an increase in acute phase reactants. Response to oral iron intake in patients with iron-deficiency anemia was optimal in 61%.


CONCLUSIONS
Anemia is common in patients with IBD, with a greater prevalence in Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis. The presence of anemia is associated with greater IBD activity. Adequate response to oral iron therapy in the present study was similar to that described in previous studies.
de la Morena López
Felipe
F
Sección de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Infanta Cristina, Parla, Madrid, España. felipe_de_la_morena@hotmail.com
Gisbert
Javier P
JP
D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies