Safety profile of intravenous iron in inflammatory bowel disease: an up-to-date overview.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the safety of different intravenous iron formulations for treating iron deficiency anemia in IBD patients.
Results Summary
The study found that intravenous iron supplementation is the most effective therapy for IBD-associated iron deficiency anemia, though gastrointestinal side effects are common with oral iron. Clinicians' perception of risk with intravenous administration may limit its use despite its efficacy.
Population
Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and iron deficiency anemia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iron therapy | increase | mild and moderate side effects | patients | 30-70% | may experience | #1 |
iron therapy | increase | poor adherence to therapy | - | - | associated with | #2 |
iron supplementation | neutral | anemia | patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) | - | frequently needed | #3 |
oral iron | increase | gastrointestinal disorders | - | - | most common side effects | #4 |
intravenous administration | decrease | gastrointestinal disorders | IBD patients | - | must be preferred | #5 |
intravenous iron supplementation | neutral | IBD-associated iron deficiency anemia | - | - | most effective therapy | #6 |
intravenous administration | decrease | successful strategy | clinicians | - | perception of risk could limit | #7 |
Up to 30-70% of patients may experience mild and moderate side effects during iron therapy and this is often associated with a poor adherence to therapy. Anemia is frequent in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), due to both iron deficiency and chronic inflammation, therefore iron supplementation is frequently needed. Considering that gastrointestinal disorders are the most common side effects with oral iron, in IBD patients intravenous administration must be preferred. Although intravenous iron supplementation remains the most effective therapy of IBD-associated iron deficiency anemia, the perception of risk related to intravenous administration by clinicians could limit this successful strategy. In this narrative review we provided an up to date on the safety of the different iron formulations for intravenous administration, by reporting the most recent studies in IBD patients.