Anaemia and iron deficiency in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Anthony E Wiskin1, Ben J Fleming, Stephen A Wootton

  • 1NIHR Biomedical Research Unit (Nutrition, Diet & Lifestyle), Southampton General Hospital, SO16 6YD, UK.

Insights

Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often have persistent anemia and iron deficiency. These conditions remain prevalent two years post-diagnosis, indicating a need for ongoing management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hematology
  • Chronic Disease Management

Background:

  • Anemia and iron deficiency are frequent in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
  • The impact of diagnosis on the prevalence of these conditions in children with IBD was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changes in prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in children diagnosed with IBD over a two-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of laboratory results from children with IBD at diagnosis and at one and two years post-diagnosis.
  • Utilized World Health Organization (WHO) standards for anemia and published guidelines for iron deficiency.

Main Results:

  • At diagnosis, 75% of pediatric IBD patients were anemic, decreasing to 30% at two-year follow-up.
  • Iron deficiency was highly prevalent at diagnosis (90% in Crohn's disease, 95% in Ulcerative Colitis).
  • At two-year follow-up, iron deficiency persisted in 70% of Crohn's disease and 65% of Ulcerative Colitis patients.

Conclusions:

  • Anemia and iron deficiency are persistent issues in children with IBD.
  • The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency changes over time following diagnosis in pediatric IBD patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction01:26

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...