Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Anemia affects one-fourth of the world's population, and iron deficiency is the predominant cause. Anemia is associated with chronic fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and diminished well-being. Patients with iron deficiency anemia of unknown etiology are frequently referred to a gastroenterologist because in the majority of cases the condition has a gastrointestinal origin. Proper management improves quality of life, alleviates the symptoms of iron deficiency, and reduces the need for blood transfusions. Treatment options include oral and intravenous iron therapy; however, the efficacy of oral iron is limited in certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and autoimmune gastritis. This article provides a critical summary of the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. In addition, it includes a management algorithm that can help the clinician determine which patients are in need of further gastrointestinal evaluation. This facilitates the identification and treatment of the underlying condition and avoids the unnecessary use of invasive methods and their associated risks.
Dr Jimenez is a fellow in gastroenterology, Dr Kulnigg-Dabsch is a specialist in internal medicine, and Dr Gasche is a specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology and is an associate professor at the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria. Dr Gasche is also the founder and head of Loha for Life, Centre of Excellence for Iron Deficiency in Vienna, Austria.
Kristine
K
Jimenez
Dr Jimenez is a fellow in gastroenterology, Dr Kulnigg-Dabsch is a specialist in internal medicine, and Dr Gasche is a specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology and is an associate professor at the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria. Dr Gasche is also the founder and head of Loha for Life, Centre of Excellence for Iron Deficiency in Vienna, Austria.
Stefanie
S
Kulnigg-Dabsch
Dr Jimenez is a fellow in gastroenterology, Dr Kulnigg-Dabsch is a specialist in internal medicine, and Dr Gasche is a specialist in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology and is an associate professor at the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria. Dr Gasche is also the founder and head of Loha for Life, Centre of Excellence for Iron Deficiency in Vienna, Austria.
Christoph
C
Gasche
Anemia of chronic disease; hemoglobin; intravenous iron; iron deficiency anemia; iron replacement therapy; oral iron