Frequency of gastrointestinal lesions in patients with clinically unexplained iron deficiency anemia

Abstract EN

Objective : Our aims were to determine the frequency and predictors of gastrointestinal tract lesions in patients with the iron deficiency anemia.

Methods : Ninety six patients with iron deficiency anemia were interviewed and their clinical and biochemical variables were recorded.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed and the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions and predictive risk factors were identified.

Results : Ninety six patients were enrolled, with mean age 50 years; 58 (60 %) were females.

Underlying etiology was identified in 74 % of patients.

Upper and lower gastrointestinal tract lesions were found in 54.7 % and 53.3 % of patients, respectively.

Age, weight loss and constipation were the predictive factors for gastrointestinal lesions.

Conclusions : Gastrointestinal lesions were an important cause of iron deficiency anemia.

Advanced age, constipation and weight loss can predict gastrointestinal lesions in iron deficiency anemia.

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms can predict gastrointestinal lesions on esophagogastroduodenoscopy.