Iron-deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA), 2018Shah, 2021

Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common systemic complication of inflammatory bowel disease. Regularly assess patients for iron deficiency and treat if present—see Iron deficiency.

Parenteral iron therapy is generally preferred for patients with inflammatory bowel disease—see Intravenous iron supplementation.

Oral iron therapy may worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, but can be used for mild anaemia in patients with clinically inactive disease who have previously tolerated oral therapy—see Oral iron supplementation.

After stopping iron therapy, iron deficiency can recur rapidly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; frequent monitoring for recurrence is recommended (eg every 3 months for 1 year, then every 6 to 12 months).