Anaemia in inflammatory bowel diseases treated by liposomal iron

  • Srdjan Markovic Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Djordje Kralj Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Tamara Knežević Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Milos Mitrovic Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Olga Odanovic Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Ana Kalaba Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
  • Vesna Brzački Clinic for Gastroenterology, University Clinical Center Nis
  • Petar Svorcan Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/afmnai41-49722
Keywords: anemia, inflammatory bowel diseases, liposomal iron, sideropenia

Abstract


Introduction and Objective: Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Recognizing and treating anemia in patients with IBD is vital for improving the quality of life and reducing complications. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the liposomal iron formulation in the treatment of anemia in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

 

Method: A total of 37 patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, confirmed with sideropenic anemia (Hb 10 g/dl – 12 g/l, ferritin less than 100), received a liposomal iron pyrophosphate preparation at a dose of 30 mg daily for one month. Parameters such as hemoglobin level, hematocrit, ferritin, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were monitored, along with anemia symptoms, and correlated with the beginning of therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program.

 

Results: The application of liposomal iron over one month resulted in a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels, averaging 3 g/dL (p = 0.021). A significant increase in hemoglobin was observed in patients in endoscopic remission, almost 10 g/dL (p = 0.008). Additionally, there was an average increase in ferritin levels by almost 2 ng/mL (p = 0.514). Two patients reported abdominal discomfort and diarrhea (5.4%) as adverse effects.

 

Conclusion: Our results suggest that 8.3% IBD patients in clinical remission have anemia and liposomal iron is an effective and safe option for treating anemia in patients.

Author Biographies

Srdjan Markovic, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”

assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade

Vesna Brzački, Clinic for Gastroenterology, University Clinical Center Nis

professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš

Petar Svorcan, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Medical Center “Zvezdara”

professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade

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Published
2025/11/19
Issue
Vol. 41 No. 4 (2024): Acta facultatis medicae Naissensis
Section
Originalni rad / Original article