Occult gastrointestinal bleeding

Stable iron (58Fe) isotopic measurements in Kenyan toddlers during 3 months of iron supplementation demonstrate that half of the iron absorbed is lost

Increased iron loss may reduce the effectiveness of iron supplementation. The objective of this study was to determine if daily oral iron supplementation increases iron loss, measured using a stable isotope of iron (58Fe). We enrolled and dewormed 24 iron-depleted Kenyan children, 24-27 months of age, whose body iron was enriched and equilibrated with 58Fe given at least 1 year earlier. Over 3 months of supplementation (6 mg iron/kg body weight [BW]/day), mean (±SD) iron absorption was 1.10 (±0.28) mg/day. During supplementation, 0.55 (±0.36) mg iron/day was lost, equal to half of the amount of absorbed iron. Supplementation did not increase faecal haem/porphyrin or biomarkers of enterocyte damage and gut or systemic inflammation. Using individual patient data, we examined iron dose, absorption and loss among all available long-term iron isotopic studies of supplementation. Expressed in terms of body weight, daily iron loss was correlated significantly with iron absorption (Pearson's r = 0.66 [95% confidence interval 0.48-0.78]) but not with iron dose (r = 0.16 [95% CI -0.10-0.40]). The results of this study indicate that iron loss is increased with daily oral iron supplementation and may blunt the efficacy of iron supplements in children. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04721964.

Nano-formulations in treatment of iron deficiency anaemia: An overview

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a significant challenge to global health. The absorption and bioavailability depend on the delivery vehicle being used. Ferrous sulphate is a drug of choice for IDA but leads to frequent gastrointestinal tract side effects that force the patient to discontinue the treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects result from converting bivalent iron into trivalent iron accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Due to lower absorption, oral preparations of trivalent iron are recommended in patients with intolerance to ferrous sulphate. Nanosized iron preparation can resolved these concerns. The particle size of iron salts has been observed to have a significant impact on iron absorption. The surface area of iron compounds is increased by reducing their particle size, which improves their solubility in gastric juice and boosts their absorption. Sucrosomial iron, ferric citrate complexes, and ferric maltol are some of the novel iron preparations that ensure high bioavailability and good tolerance in chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the parenteral route of administration of iron is unacceptable to most patients. Moreover, it leads to high free iron levels in circulation, resulting in ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

This article provides an informative summary of iron deficiency anaemia causes and treatment through nanoformulations and literature and in-depth patent analysis.

Anemia as a Problem: GEH Approach

BACKGROUND

Anemia is present in almost 5% of adults worldwide and accompanies clinical findings in many diseases. Diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver are a common cause of anemia, so patients with anemia are often referred to a gastroenterologist.

SUMMARY

Anemia could be caused by various factors such as chronic bleeding, malabsorption, or chronic inflammation. In clinical practice, iron deficiency anemia and the combined forms of anemia due to different pathophysiological mechanisms are most common. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and the small intestine examinations in specific situations play a crucial role in diagnosing anemia. In anemic, GI asymptomatic patients, there are recommendations for bidirectional endoscopy. Although GI malignancies are the most common cause of chronic bleeding, all conditions leading to blood loss, malabsorption, and chronic inflammation should be considered. From a gastroenterologist's perspective, the clinical spectrum of anemia is vast because many different digestive tract diseases lead to bleeding. Key Messages: The gastroenterological approach in solving anemia's problem requires an optimal strategy, consideration of the accompanying clinical signs, and the fastest possible diagnosis. Although patients with symptoms of anemia are often referred to gastroenterologists, the diagnostic approach requires further improvement in everyday clinical practice.

Leptin and Obesity: Role and Clinical Implication

The peptide hormone leptin regulates food intake, body mass, and reproductive function and plays a role in fetal growth, proinflammatory immune responses, angiogenesis and lipolysis. Leptin is a product of the obese (ob) gene and, following synthesis and secretion from fat cells in white adipose tissue, binds to and activates its cognate receptor, the leptin receptor (LEP-R). LEP-R distribution facilitates leptin's pleiotropic effects, playing a crucial role in regulating body mass via a negative feedback mechanism between adipose tissue and the hypothalamus. Leptin resistance is characterized by reduced satiety, over-consumption of nutrients, and increased total body mass. Often this leads to obesity, which reduces the effectiveness of using exogenous leptin as a therapeutic agent. Thus, combining leptin therapies with leptin sensitizers may help overcome such resistance and, consequently, obesity. This review examines recent data obtained from human and animal studies related to leptin, its role in obesity, and its usefulness in obesity treatment.

Diagnostic evaluation of urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding

Background

Urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (UCR) is a marker for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in people.

Objectives

To assess the usefulness of UCR to predict occult GIB and distinguish upper from lower GIB in dogs.

Animals

Eighty‐nine dogs with GIB and 65 clinically healthy dogs. Dogs were grouped according to 65 overt GIB and 24 occult GIB, and based on lesion localization (37 upper, 13 lower, and 8 both).

Methods

Seventy‐four dogs were included retrospectively and 15 dogs prospectively. Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, UCR, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were compared between groups. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess if variables could distinguish occult GIB from being healthy and upper from lower GIB.

Results

The UCR was significantly higher in dogs with overt GIB compared to control dogs (P = .02) and dogs with occult GIB (P = .05). The UCR was not significantly associated with occult GIB vs being healthy, or upper vs lower GIB (P > .05 each). Dogs with higher hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit had significantly lower odds of having occult GIB than being healthy (P < .0001 each).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The UCR does not seem to be a clinically useful marker of occult GIB and appears to have poor discriminatory ability between upper and lower GIB. An increased UCR in a dog without signs of overt GIB, especially if its hematocrit is within the middle or upper reference interval, does not appear to warrant prompt prescription of gastrointestinal protectants.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding, but Not Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Is Associated With Worse Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. However, the prevalence of GI symptoms and their association with outcomes remain controversial in COVID-19 patients. Methods: All COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to the Wuhan Huoshenshan hospital from February 2020 to April 2020 were collected. Disease severity and outcomes were compared between COVID-19 patients with and without GI symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of GI symptoms with the composite endpoint and death in COVID-19 patients. A composite endpoint was defined as transfer to intensive care unit, requirement of mechanical ventilation, and death. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Overall, 2,552 COVID-19 patients were included. The prevalence of GI symptoms was 21.0% (537/2,552). Diarrhea (8.9%, 226/2,552) was the most common GI symptom. Patients with GI symptoms had significantly higher proportions of severe COVID-19 and worse outcomes than those without. Univariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that GI symptoms were significantly associated with the composite endpoint (OR = 2.426, 95% CI = 1.608-3.661; P < 0.001) and death (OR = 2.137, 95% CI = 1.209-3.778; P = 0.009). After adjusting for age, sex, and severe/critical COVID-19, GI symptoms were still independently associated with the composite endpoint (OR = 2.029, 95% CI = 1.294-3.182; P = 0.002), but not death (OR = 1.726, 95% CI = 0.946-3.150; P = 0.075). According to the type of GI symptoms, GI bleeding was an independent predictor of the composite endpoint (OR = 8.416, 95% CI = 3.465-20.438, P < 0.001) and death (OR = 6.640, 95% CI = 2.567-17.179, P < 0.001), but not other GI symptoms (i.e., diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea and/or vomiting, constipation, acid reflux and/or heartburn, or abdominal pain). Conclusion: GI symptoms are common in COVID-19 patients and may be associated with their worse outcomes. Notably, such a negative impact of GI symptoms on the outcomes should be attributed to GI bleeding.

Study to evaluate the etiology of iron deficiency anemia at a teaching hospital in northeastern part of India

Introduction

The causes of iron deficiency may be either due to excessive loss or, less frequently, decrease absorption. Data related to etiology are not available from this part of the country.

Objective

A study to evaluate the etiology of iron-deficiency anemia at a teaching hospital in the northeastern part of India.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, cases of iron-deficiency anemia were selected from the OPD and indoor, after taking proper written consent. Iron-deficiency anemia was diagnosed by sending the complete hematological investigations. Other specific investigations including imaging were done in selected patients as per indications.

Results

A total of 102 patients of iron-deficiency anemia were included in the study. The age of the selected population was between 18 and 80 years. 37.3% were male and 62.7% were female patients. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done in 56, out of these, 9.7% had antral gastritis and 2.9% had a duodenal ulcer. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was done in 30 patients and out of these seven patients had hemorrhoids, one patient had multiple ulcers in the colon, one had ulcers in the sigmoid colon, and one had ulceroproliferative mass in the transverse colon. Biopsy through the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed chronic duodenitis in three patients (2.9%), carcinoma stomach in one (0.98%), and periampullary carcinoma in one (0.98%). Biopsy after lower gastrointestinal endoscopy showed one case each of carcinoma colon, ulcerative colitis, nonspecific colitis, and nonspecific enteritis.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia is not sufficient without the diagnosis of underlying etiology. Special concern will be taken to gastrointestinal malignancies like colorectal cancers in which iron-deficiency anemia may be the only manifestation and diagnosis that can be missed if we do not investigate properly.

Corticosteroids and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults: Protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to critically ill patients. However, their use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, we aim to assess whether continued administration of corticosteroids for >24 hours increases the rate of GI bleeding in adult critically ill patients compared to placebo or no treatment.

METHODS/DESIGN

We will conduct a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. The participants will be adult (as defined in the included trials) critically ill patients. The intervention will be any corticosteroid administered systematically for >24 hours and the comparator will be placebo or no treatment. The primary outcome will be rate of clinically important GI bleeding. We will systematically search EMBASE, MEDLINE, Medline In-Process, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and trial registries for relevant literature, as well as perform a hand search. We will follow the recommendations by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The risk of systematic errors (bias) and random errors will be assessed and the overall quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

DISCUSSION

The risk of GI bleeding in adult critically ill patients treated with corticosteroids is unknown. Hence, there is need for a robust systematic review to assess this risk and provide clinicians with a clearer understanding of the strength and limitations of existing data.

Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies in patients over 85 years of age: Risk-benefit evaluation of a longitudinal cohort

After age 85, upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy may be indicated in 5% to 10% of inpatients, but the risk-benefit ratio is unknown. We studied patients older than 85 years undergoing upper and lower GI endoscopy.We analyzed a retrospective cohort of inpatients older than 85 years between 2004 and 2012, all explored by upper and complete lower GI endoscopy. Initial indications, including iron deficiency anemia (IDA), other anemias, GI bleeding, weight loss, and GI symptoms, were noted, as were endoscopy or anesthesia complications, immediate endoscopic diagnosis, and the ability to modify the patients' therapeutics. Deaths and final diagnosis for initial endoscopic indication were analyzed after at least 12 months.We included 55 patients, 78% women, with a median age, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels of 87 (85-99), 56 (24-214) g/L, 8.6 (4.8-12.9) g/dL, and 56 (3-799) μg/L, respectively. IDA was the most frequent indication for endoscopy (60%; n = 33). Immediate diagnoses were found in 64% of the patients (n = 35), including 25% with GI cancers (n = 14) and 22% with gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions (n = 12). Cancer diagnosis was associated with lower reticulocyte count (45 vs. 60 G/L; P = .02). Among the 35 diagnoses, 94% (n = 33) led to modifications of the patients' therapeutics, with 29% of the patients deciding on palliative care (n = 10). No endoscopic complications lead to death. Follow-up of >12 months was available in 82% (n = 45) of the patients; among these patients, 40% (n = 27) died after an average 24 ± 18 months. Cancer diagnosis was significantly associated with less ulterior red cell transfusion (0% vs. 28%; P = .02) and fewer further investigations (6.7% vs. 40%; P = .02).Upper and complete lower GI endoscopy in patients older than 85 years appears to be safe, and enables a high rate of immediate diagnosis, with significant modifications of therapeutics. GI cancers represented more than one-third of the endoscopic diagnoses.

Outcome of endoscopy-negative iron deficiency anemia in patients above 65: A longitudinal multicenter cohort

After the age of 65 years, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) requires the elimination of digestive neoplasia and is explored with upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. However, such explorations are negative in 14% to 37% of patients. To further evaluate this issue, we evaluated the outcomes of patients aged over 65 years with endoscopy-negative IDA.We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of in-patients over the age of 65 years with IDA (hemoglobin <12 g/dL and ferritin <70 μg/L) who had negative complete upper and lower GI endoscopies in 7 tertiary medical hospitals. Death, the persistence of anemia, further investigations, and the final diagnosis for IDA were analyzed after at least 12 months by calling the patients' general practitioners and using hospital records.Between 2004 and 2011, 69 patients (74% women) with a median age of 78 (interquartile range (IQR) 75-82) years and hemoglobin and ferritin levels of 8.4 (IQR 6.8-9.9) g/dL and 14 (IQR 8-27) μg/L, respectively, had endoscopy-negative IDA, and 73% of these patients received daily antithrombotics. After a follow-up of 41 ± 22 months, 23 (33%) of the patients were dead; 5 deaths were linked with the IDA, and 45 (65%) patients had persistent anemia, which was significantly associated with death (P = 0.007). Further investigations were performed in 45 patients; 64% of the second-look GI endoscopies led to significant changes in treatment compared with 25% for the capsule endoscopies. Conventional diagnoses of IDA were ultimately established for 19 (27%) patients and included 3 cancer patients. Among the 50 other patients, 40 (58%) had antithrombotics.In endoscopy-negative IDA over the age of 65 years, further investigations should be reserved for patients with persistent anemia, and second-look GI endoscopy should be favored. If the results of these investigations are negative, the role of antithrombotics should be considered.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding: A practical guide for clinicians

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common problem encountered in the emergency department and in the primary care setting. Acute or overt gastrointestinal bleeding is visible in the form of hematemesis, melena or hematochezia. Chronic or occult gastrointestinal bleeding is not apparent to the patient and usually presents as positive fecal occult blood or iron deficiency anemia. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is recurrent bleeding when the source remains unidentified after upper endoscopy and colonoscopic evaluation and is usually from the small intestine. Accurate clinical diagnosis is crucial and guides definitive investigations and interventions. This review summarizes the overall diagnostic approach to gastrointestinal bleeding and provides a practical guide for clinicians.

Factors influencing the yield of mesenteric angiography in lower gastrointestinal bleed

AIM: To assess if certain triaging rules could be established to optimize the yield of mesenteric angiography.

METHODS: Medical records of 101 patients were retrospectively reviewed and parameters relating to age, gender, pulse rate, blood pressure, serum hemoglobin, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and the number of packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfused in the 12 and 24 h prior to the angiography were tabulated in two groups with positive and negative angiography results.

RESULTS: We found no correlation between gender, pulse rate, blood pressure or serum hemoglobin and positivity of the mesenteric angiogram. But patients with positive angiogram were found to be on average 7 years older (73.2 years vs 65.9 years old) (P = 0.02). Angiogram was positive in 39.3 % (11/28) of patients admitted in ICU vs 23.2% (17/73) who were admitted elsewhere in the hospital (P = 0.03). In the 12 and 24 h prior to angiography, patients with a positive angiogram received a mean of 2.7 ± 2.3 and 3.3 ± 2.6 units of PRBC s respectively, while patients with a negative angiogram had a mean of 1.6 ± 1.9 (P = 0.02) and 2.1 ± 2.6 units (P = 0.04) received respectively in the same period.

CONCLUSION: Older age, ICU admission, having received at least 4 units PRBC over 12 h or 5 units over 24 h prior to angiogram are leading indicators for a positive study.

A randomized, double blind, placebo and active comparator controlled pilot study of UP446, a novel dual pathway inhibitor anti-inflammatory agent of botanical origin

Background

Current use of prescribed or over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and osteoarthritis (OA) have untoward gastrointestinal and cardiovascular related side effects, as a result the need for a safe and effective alternative has become unequivocally crucial.

Method

A randomized, double blind, placebo and active controlled pilot study of a novel dual pathway, COX1/2 and LOX, inhibitor anti-inflammatory agent of botanical origin, UP446 was conducted. Sixty subjects (age 40-75) with symptomatic OA of the hip or knee were assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 15); Group A0 (Placebo, CMC capsule), Group A1 (UP446 250 mg/day), Group A2 (UP446 500 mg/day) and Group A3 (Celecoxib, 200 mg/day). MOS-SF-36 and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) data were collected at baseline and after 30, 60 and 90 days of treatment as a measure of efficacy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, plasma thrombin time (PTT), fructosamine, Hematology, clinical chemistry and fecal occult blood were monitored for safety.

Results

Statistically significant decrease in WOMAC pain score were observed for Group A1 at day 90, Group A2 at 30 and 90 days and Group A3 at 60 and 90 days. Statistically significant decrease in WOMAC stiffness score were observed for Group A1 and Group A2 at 30, 60 and 90 days; but not for Group A0 and Group A3. The mean change in WOMAC functional impairment scores were statistically significant for Group A1 and Group A2 respectively at 30 days (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006), at 60 days (p = 0.016 and p = 0.002) and at 90 days (p = 0.018 and p = 0.002), these changes were not significant for Group A0 and Group A3. Based on MOS -SF-36 questionnaires, statistically significant improvements in physical function, endurance and mental health scores were observed for all active treatment groups compared to placebo. No significant changes suggestive of toxicity in routine hematologies, serum chemistries, liver enzymes or PTT were noted in any of the treatment groups.

Conclusion

Based on current findings UP446 is safe and efficacious alternative to established anti-inflammatory medications for alleviating OA symptoms as measured by the WOMAC Index.

Iron deficiency anaemia: a review of diagnosis, investigation and management

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common form of anaemia worldwide. In men and postmenopausal women the commonest cause of IDA is blood loss from lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, making it a common cause of referral to gastroenterologists. Causes of IDA relate either to blood loss or iron malabsorption. After confirmation with laboratory tests, gastrointestinal evaluation is almost always indicated to exclude gastrointestinal malignancy. Specific patient groups such as premenopausal women, patients with low-normal ferritin and iron-deficient patients without anaemia may need an individualized approach. A small proportion of patients have recurrent or persistent IDA despite negative standard endoscopies. These patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding usually require evaluation of the small bowel with capsule endoscopy or double balloon enteroscopy. Treatment should involve prompt iron replacement plus diagnostic steps directed towards correcting the underlying cause of IDA. Oral iron replacement is cheap and effective, but parenteral (intravenous) therapy may be required due to intolerance, noncompliance or treatment failure with oral therapy.

Review article: the diagnosis and investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is a commonly encountered clinical problem in gastroenterology and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The investigation and management of OGIB has changed dramatically over the past decade with the advent of newer gastroenterological and radiological technologies.

AIM

To review the current evidence on the diagnosis and investigation of OGIB.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed database (1985-2010) for full original articles in English-language journals relevant to the investigation of OGIB. The search terms we used were 'gastrointestinal bleeding' or 'gastrointestinal hemorrhage' or 'small bowel bleeding' each in combination with 'obscure', or 'capsule endoscopy', or 'enteroscopy' or 'enterography' or 'enteroclysis'.

RESULTS

Capsule endoscopy (CE) or double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) should be first line investigations. They are complimentary procedures with comparable high diagnostic yields. DBE is also able to provide therapeutic intervention. Newer technologies such as single balloon and spiral enteroscopy are currently being evaluated. Radiological and nuclear medicine investigations, such as CT enterography and CT enteroclysis, are alternative diagnostic tools when CE or DBE are contraindicated. Repeating the gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy may be considered in selective situations. An algorithm for investigation of obscure bleeding is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy has transformed the approach to the evaluation and management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding over the past decade. Older diagnostic modalities still play a complementary, but increasingly selective role.

Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia in the 21st century

Iron deficiency is the single most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. It accounts for anemia in 5% of American women and 2% of American men. The goal of this review article is to assist practitioners in understanding the physiology of iron metabolism and to aid in accurately diagnosing iron deficiency anemia. The current first line of therapy for patients with iron deficiency anemia is oral iron supplementation. Oral supplementation is cheap, safe, and effective at correcting iron deficiency anemia; however, it is not tolerated by some patients and in a subset of patients it is insufficient. Patients in whom the gastrointestinal blood loss exceeds the intestinal ability to absorb iron (e.g. intestinal angiodysplasia) may develop iron deficiency anemia refractory to oral iron supplementation. This population of patients proves to be the most challenging to manage. Historically, these patients have required numerous and frequent blood transfusions and suffer end-organ damage resultant from their refractory anemia. Intravenous iron supplementation fell out of favor secondary to the presence of infrequent but serious side effects. Newer and safer intravenous iron preparations are now available and are likely currently underutilized. This article discusses the possible use of intravenous iron supplementation in the management of patients with severe iron deficiency anemia and those who have failed oral iron supplementation.

Identification of clinical and simple laboratory variables predicting responsible gastrointestinal lesions in patients with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a frequent disorder. Also, it may be a sign of underlying serious diseases. Iron deficiency points to an occult or frank bleeding lesion when occurred in men or postmenopausal women. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endoscopy in patients with IDA and to define predictive factors of gastrointestinal (GI) lesions causing IDA. Ninety-one patients (77 women, 14 men; mean age: 43 years) who were decided to have esophago-duodenoscopy and/or colonoscopy for iron deficiency anemia were interviewed and responded to a questionnaire that included clinical and biochemical variables. The endoscopic findings were recorded as GI lesions causing IDA or not causing IDA. Endoscopy revealed a source of IDA in 18.6 % of cases. The risk factors for finding GI lesions causing IDA were as follows: male gender (p= 0.004), advanced age (> 50 years) (p= 0.010), weight loss (over 20% of total body weight lost in last 6 month) (p= 0.020), chronic diarrhea (p= 0.006), change of bowel habits (p= 0.043), epigastric tenderness (p= 0.037), raised carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (normal range: 0-7 ng/mL) (p= 0.039), < 10 gr/dl hemoglobin (Hb) level (p=0.054). None of these risk factors had been present in 21 (23%) women younger than 51 years. In this group, no patient had any GI lesion likely to cause IDA (negative predictive value= 100%). In multivariate analysis, advanced age (p=0.017), male gender (p< 0.01) and weight lost (p=0.012) found that associated with GI lesions in all patients. It may be an appropriate clinical approach to consider these risk factors when deciding for gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation in iron deficiency anemia.

Occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: causes and clinical management

Occult gastrointestinal bleeding, defined as bleeding that is unknown to the patient, is the most common form of gastrointestinal bleeding and can be caused by virtually any lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding include those with fecal occult blood and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). In men and postmenopausal women, IDA should be considered to be the result of gastrointestinal bleeding until proven otherwise. Indeed, the possibility of gastrointestinal tract malignancy in these patients means that gastrointestinal evaluation is nearly always indicated. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as obvious bleeding from a difficult to identify source and is always recurrent. This form of bleeding accounts for approximately 5% of all cases of clinically evident gastrointestinal bleeding and is most commonly caused by bleeding from the small intestine. Capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy have had a major impact on the way that patients with occult and, in particular, obscure bleeding are managed. In this Review the causes, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding are discussed.

Evaluation and treatment of iron deficiency anemia: a gastroenterological perspective

A substantial volume of the consultations requested of gastroenterologists are directed towards the evaluation of anemia. Since iron deficiency anemia often arises from bleeding gastrointestinal lesions, many of which are malignant, establishment of a firm diagnosis usually obligates an endoscopic evaluation. Although the laboratory tests used to make the diagnosis have not changed in many decades, their interpretation has, and this is possibly due to the availability of extensive testing in key populations. We provide data supporting the use of the serum ferritin as the sole useful measure of iron stores, setting the lower limit at 100 microg/l for some populations in order to increase the sensitivity of the test. Trends of the commonly obtained red cell indices, mean corpuscular volume, and the red cell distribution width can provide valuable diagnostic information. Once the diagnosis is established, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is usually indicated. Nevertheless, in many cases a gastrointestinal source is not found after routine evaluation. Additional studies, including repeat upper and lower endoscopy and often investigation of the small intestine may thus be required. Although oral iron is inexpensive and usually effective, there are many gastrointestinal conditions that warrant treatment of iron deficiency with intravenous iron.

Classification of anemia for gastroenterologists

Most anemia is related to the digestive system by dietary deficiency, malabsorption, or chronic bleeding. We review the World Health Organization definition of anemia, its morphological classification (microcytic, macrocytic and normocytic) and pathogenic classification (regenerative and hypo regenerative), and integration of these classifications. Interpretation of laboratory tests is included, from the simplest (blood count, routine biochemistry) to the more specific (iron metabolism, vitamin B12, folic acid, reticulocytes, erythropoietin, bone marrow examination and Schilling test). In the text and various algorithms, we propose a hierarchical and logical way to reach a diagnosis as quickly as possible, by properly managing the medical interview, physical examination, appropriate laboratory tests, bone marrow examination, and other complementary tests. The prevalence is emphasized in all sections so that the gastroenterologist can direct the diagnosis to the most common diseases, although the tables also include rare diseases. Digestive diseases potentially causing anemia have been studied in preference, but other causes of anemia have been included in the text and tables. Primitive hematological diseases that cause anemia are only listed, but are not discussed in depth. The last section is dedicated to simplifying all items discussed above, using practical rules to guide diagnosis and medical care with the greatest economy of resources and time.

[Differential factors of tumor etiology for iron deficiency anemia of probable gastrointestinal origin]

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) of probably gastrointestinal (GI) tract origin is a difficult task for the clinician.

OBJECTIVE

To know the incidence of GI lesions in our setting; the possibility to predict cancer with clinical and laboratory parameters; the diagnostic utility of capsule endoscopy, and the follow-up in those patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We performed a prospective study in our Internal Medicine Department, from April 2005 to December 2007, of patients with IDA.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients (42 men, 87 women) were studied. There was 27 (20.9%) malignancies (21 colon, 5 stomach, 1 esophagus ); 39 (30.2%) benign upper GI lesions; 12 (9.3%) benign lower GI disorders; 16(12.4%) synchronous GI lesions; 2 (1.6%) celiac sprue, and 33 (25.6%) without identifiable lesions. We found significant differences between patients with and without malignancy in NSAID use, weight loss, leukocyte and platelet count, and alkaline phosphatase levels. Diagnosis sensitivity of capsule endoscopy in obscure GI bleeding was 27%. We did not found any malignancy during the follow-up of patients without an initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In IDA, colonoscopy (or contrast barium enema in certain circumstances) is the most important exploration to rule out malignancy. Only NSAID use is useful to exclude cancer. Patients without identifiable lesions have a favorable prognosis. A moderate frequency of synchronous lesions was found. We recommend a complete conventional GI endoscopic study if no evident bleeding lesion is found during the initial endoscopic procedure. Capsule endoscopy and celiac disease serology are useful in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy

GOAL

To review the literature on the significance, risk factors, and management of occult and gross gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients on antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants.

STUDY

Relevant original and review articles and their bibliographies were analyzed. Estimates of risks and therapeutic outcomes were obtained from randomized trials, whereas risk factor identification was gathered from cross-control and prospective cohort studies.

RESULTS

Antiplatelets and anticoagulants do not diminish the positive predictive value of fecal occult blood testing to find GI pathology. They increase the risk of gross GI bleeding, and predictors of hemorrhage include history of GI bleeding or ulcer disease, higher intensity of anticoagulation, combination therapy, and presence of comorbid conditions. A bleeding site is identified in most patients with peptic ulcer being the most common. In case of significant bleeding, complete or partial reversal of anticoagulation is undertaken on the basis of the balance of risks between bleeding and thromboembolic events. Early endoscopy can reveal lesions requiring endoscopic hemostasis, which can be performed in the setting of low-intensity anticoagulation. In patients with history of peptic disease or bleeding from an acid-related lesion, proton-pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication reduce the risk of upper GI bleeding even when antiplatelet therapy is continued.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of bleeding on antiplatelets and/or antithrombotics therapy have been identified, but formulation and validation of a GI bleeding index for stratification of risk in individual patients is suggested. Reversal of anticoagulation in bleeding patients is associated with a low risk of thromboembolic events and permits the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Proton-pump inhibitors and H. pylori eradication reduce the risk of rebleeding in those with acid-related disease.

Management of obscure occult gastrointestinal bleeding: a cost-minimization analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) allow complete small-bowel examination but consume additional health care resources. A cost-minimization analysis determined the optimal initial management strategy for obscure occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).

METHODS

We compared 5 strategies: initial small-bowel follow-through, enteroclysis, push enteroscopy (PE), CE, or DBE. Incorporation of multiple tests was allowed with costs taken from a third-party payer perspective. We modeled medically refractory disease with 2 separate model end points in which treatment or definitive diagnosis was necessary and in which visual diagnosis was sufficient to suspend testing. Sensitivity analyses included variations in parameter estimates, Monte Carlo simulation, and structural variations in the model in which DBE was not available as an initial strategy.

RESULTS

When treatment or definitive diagnosis was necessary, the optimal strategy was initial DBE at a cost of $3824. An initial CE strategy costs an incremental $440. CE was preferred when DBE exceeded $1849 or when the sensitivity of DBE decreased to less than 68%. If DBE was unavailable as an initial test then CE was preferred to PE unless CE exceeded $1190, capsule retention was greater than 3%, or 64% of lesions were within reach of PE. When visual diagnosis was sufficient, initial CE was preferred.

CONCLUSIONS

For OGIB, initial DBE may be the least expensive strategy when treatment or definitive diagnosis is necessary and initial CE may be preferred when visual identification is sufficient. In settings where DBE is not available as an initial test, initial CE may be the preferred strategy.

Positive rate comparison between immunological and chemical methods of fecal occult blood test in upper digestive tract bleeding

AIM: To compare the positive rates of immune fecal occult blood test (IFOBT) and chemical fecal occult blood test (CFOBT) in screening upper digestive tract bleeding.

METHODS: A total of 206 consecutive patients who suffered upper digestive tract bleeding and underwent endoscopic examination in our hospital were chosen from July 2006 to March 2007. CFOBT (using o-toluidine) and IFOBT were used to detect fecal occult blood positive rate in the same fecal specimen, and comparison was made between the two methods. The positive rates were also analyzed combined with the clinical data.

RESULTS: The results of IFOBT and CFOBT were not associated with anatomic sites in esophageal and gastric cancer, but associated with the invasion depth in gastric cancer, and they were positively correlated with the largest diameter of gastric cancer (IFOBT: r = 0.30, P = 0.02; CFOBT: r = 0.20, P = 0.04). Meanwhile, IFOBT result showed a positive correlation with the largest diameter of esophageal cancer (r = 0.38, P = 0.01). The positive rate of CFOBT was superior to that of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen detection in esophageal cancer patients (47.43% vs 20.45%, P < 0.05), and the positive rates of both methods were higher than those of CA125, CEA and CA199 detection. CFOBT was superior to IFOBT in detecting gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, reflux esophagitis and peptic ulcer (50.88% vs 35.09%; 47.73% vs 29.55%; 18.00% vs 6.00%; 60.00% vs 41.82%; all P < 0.05). The total positive rate of IFOBT was lower than that of CFOBT in detecting upper digestive tract bleeding.

CONCLUSION: The IFOBT is not suitable for screening upper digestive tract diseases, but relatively specific for lower digestive tract bleeding.

Double-balloon enteroscopy reliably directs surgical intervention for patients with small intestinal bleeding

AIM: To evaluate preoperative double-balloon enteroscopy for determining bleeding lesions of small intestine, thus directing selective surgical intervention.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 56 patients who underwent double-balloon enteroscopy to localize intestinal bleeding prior to surgical intervention, and compared enteroscopic findings with those of intraoperation to determine the accuracy of enteroscopy in identifying and localizing the sites of small intestinal bleeding.

RESULTS: Double-balloon enteroscopy was performed in all 56 patients in a 30-mo period. A possible site of blood loss was identified in 54 (96%) patients. Enteroscopy provided accurate localization of the bleeding in 53 (95%) of 56 patients, but failed to disclose the cause of bleeding in 4 (7%). There was one case with negative intraoperative finding (2%). Resection of the affected bowel was carried out except one patient who experienced rebleeding after operation. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was most frequently diagnosed (55%).

CONCLUSION: Double-balloon enteroscopy is a safe, reliable modality for determining bleeding lesion of small intestine. This technique can be used to direct selective surgical intervention.