Factors associated with anemia after bariatric surgery.

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery outcomes
• Gastroenterology and nutrition
• Public health and epidemiology

Background:

• Bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of anemia.
• Long-term data on anemia prevalence and risk factors after bariatric surgery are limited.
• Identifying specific patient groups at higher risk is crucial for preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define factors associated with anemia 5 years after bariatric surgery.
• To analyze the prevalence of anemia and subnormal ferritin levels post-RYGB and SG.
• To identify demographic and clinical predictors of anemia in bariatric surgery patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (2007-2020).
• Included primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures.
• Analyzed hemoglobin and ferritin levels preoperatively and up to 10 years postoperatively, focusing on 5-year follow-up data.

Main Results:

• Anemia (18.5%) and subnormal ferritin (27.0%) were prevalent at 5 years in 18,993 patients.
• Anemia was more common after RYGB (19.6%) than SG (11.3%).
• Females (20.6%), younger patients (31.0%), and those with significant weight loss (25.2%) showed higher anemia risk.

Conclusions:

• Anemia prevalence increases up to 10 years post-bariatric surgery, likely due to iron deficiency.
• Female sex, young age, substantial weight loss, and RYGB are significant risk factors for post-bariatric anemia.
• Targeted supplementation strategies are needed for high-risk patient groups.