Intravenous iron in inflammatory bowel disease

Preoperative Identification and Management of Anemia in the Colorectal Surgery Patient

Preoperative anemia is a common finding in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, particularly those with cancer. While often multifactorial, iron deficiency anemia remains the most common cause of anemia in this patient population. Although seemingly innocuous, preoperative anemia is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications and need for allogenic blood transfusions, both of which may worsen cancer-specific survival. Preoperative correction of anemia and iron deficiency is thus necessary to diminish these risks. Current literature supports preoperative screening for anemia and iron deficiency in patients slated to undergo colorectal surgery for malignancy or for benign conditions with associated patient- or procedure-related risk factors. Accepted treatment regimens include iron supplementation-either oral or intravenous-as well as erythropoietin therapy. Autologous blood transfusion should not be utilized as a treatment for preoperative anemia when there is time to implement other corrective strategies. Additional study is still needed to better standardize preoperative screening and optimize treatment regimens.

Ferric carboxymaltose treatment for iron deficiency anemia in children with inflammatory bowel disease: Efficacy and risk of hypophosphatemia

BACKGROUND

Although intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is effective in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD), no data are available on its post-infusion related risks.

AIMS

We assessed the efficacy of FCM and the rate of post-infusion hypophosphatemia in a large cohort of children with IBD and IDA.

METHODS

All children with IBD with IDA treated with FCM over 5-year period were reviewed. Disease activity, biohumoral assessment and treatments were evaluated at baseline, 4-6 and 12 weeks after each infusion.

RESULTS

128 patients [median age at first infusion: 13 years] were identified, 81 (63.3%) were <14 years, 10 (7.8%) <6 years. Eighty-three children (64.8%) received one infusion, whilst 45 (35.2%) repeated infusions. A significant increase in Hb (p<0.001), iron (p<0.001) and ferritin (p<0.001) was observed 4-6 and 12 weeks post-infusion. Hb gain was unrelated to disease severity. Low baseline iron was the main predicting factor for repeated infusions (p<0.05). Three patients reported infusion reactions, none <6 years. Twenty-five children had low post-infusion serum phosphate (11 were <14 years, 3 <6 years). Two children developed severe hypophosphatemia.

CONCLUSIONS

FCM administration is effective for IDA management in pIBD, including children <6 years. Due to the high prevalence of post-infusion hypophosphatemia, serum phosphate monitoring should be mandatory.

Iron deficiency anemia in IBD: an overlooked comorbidity

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a leading cause of anemia in Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD). IDA affects quality of life (QoL) and lead to developmental and cognitive abnormalities. Diagnosis of IDA in IBD is complicated as biochemical tests available at present cannot help distinguish between IDA and anemia of chronic disease. Soluble transferrin receptor ferritin index has been gaining popularity as it can diagnose IDA in presence of chronic inflammation. ECCO guidelines recommend a Hb increase of >2 g/dL and a TfS of >30% within 4 weeks as adequate therapeutic response. IV iron is preferred over oral iron as it bypasses gastrointestinal tract, rapidly increases haemoglobin, and is not associated with intestinal inflammation. Our aim in this review is to provide apathway for physicians to help them diagnose and appropriately treat IDA in IBD.Areas covered: In this review article, we have discussed current diagnosis and treatment in detail and have proposed new directions on how future research can help manage IDA in IBD effectively.Expert opinion: Understanding the pathogenesis of IDA in IBD will further lead to exploring new potential diagnostic tests and treatment regimens for effective management of IDA in IBD.

Iron Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The most common complication seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Symptoms such as chronic fatigue can be as debilitating to IBD patients as pathological symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Recognising and correcting anaemia may be as important as managing IBD symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Thus, iron replacement should be commenced the moment IDA is identified. Although intravenous iron is now considered standard treatment for IBD patients in Europe, oral iron still appears to be the preferred option. Advantages of oral iron include greater availability, lower costs and ease of applicability. However, its multitude of side effects, impact on the microbiome and further exacerbating IBD activity can have consequences on patient compliance. The newer oral iron formulations show promising safety and efficacy data with a good side effect profile. Intravenous iron formulations bypass the gastrointestinal tract absorption thereby leading to less side effects. Multiple studies have shown its superiority compared to oral formulations although its risk for hypersensitivity reactions continue to lead to clinician hesitancy in prescribing this formulation. This article provides an updated review on diagnosis and management of IDA in IBD patients, discussing the newer oral and intravenous formulations.

Incidence of Iron Deficiency and the Role of Intravenous Iron Use in Perioperative Periods

Iron deficiency is a major problem in worldwide populations, being more alarming in surgical patients. In the presence of absolute iron deficiency (depletion of body iron), functional iron deficiency (during intense bone marrow stimulation by endogenous or exogenous factors), or iron sequestration (acute or chronic inflammatory conditions), iron-restricted erythropoiesis can develop. This systemic review was conducted to draw attention to the delicate problem of perioperative anemia, and to provide solutions to optimize the management of anemic surgical patients. Systemic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical studies and trials, case reports and international guidelines were studied, from a database of 50 articles. Bone marrow biopsy, serum ferritin levels, transferrin saturation, the mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency. There are various intravenous iron formulations, with different pharmacological profiles used for restoring iron. In surgical patients, anemia is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Therefore, anemia correction should be rapid, with parenteral iron formulations—the oral ones—being inefficient. Various studies showed the safety and efficacy of parenteral iron formulations in correcting hemoglobin levels and decreasing the blood transfusion rate, the overall mortality, the postoperative infections incidence, hospitalization days, and the general costs.

Anemia and iron deficiency in Crohn's disease

Introduction: Anemia is a common extraintestinal complication of Crohn's disease (CD) mainly caused by iron deficiency, that affects the quality of life in CD patients. Elucidation of the etiology and pathology of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and anemia of chronic diseases (ACD) has developed in recent years. Common biochemical parameters of iron status are insufficient for assessment of patients with anemia and CD. Thus, novel iron indices are required for accurate assessment in IDA patients with CD. Oral iron supplementation for IDA treatment is common and is associated with minor gastrointestinal side effects. Intravenous substitution improves safety profiles but may be not tolerable in some patients. Fortunately, additional therapies for anemia of active CD have emerged in recent years.Area covered: Here, we propose the review article on the link among anemia, iron deficiency, and Crohn's disease. We discuss the current diagnosis and therapy of anemia and iron deficiency in CD and propose the new directions for future research.Expert commentary: Exploring pathogeneses and treatments of anemia and iron deficiency in Crohn's disease will develop potential tools for early diagnosis and effective treatment of anemia in CD patients, and improve their life quality.

The Effect of Intraoperative Ferric Carboxymaltose in Joint Arthroplasty Patients: A Randomized Trial

This study assessed the efficacy of intraoperative high-dose intravenous iron therapy in facilitating recovery from postoperative anemia and reducing the transfusion rate in patients with total knee and total hip arthroplasty. This prospective randomized controlled study involved 58 subjects. Group F received 1000 mg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose and Group C received normal saline. The changes in hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, iron metabolism variables, transfusion rates, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen and the fraction of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio were recorded. There were 29 patients of each group. The change in Hb levels from baseline to 1 month post-surgery was higher in Group F than in Group C (0.3 ± 1.0 g/dl vs. -0.8 ± 0.8 g/dl, p < 0.001). Functional iron deficiency occurred more frequently in Group C (0% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.001) after the operation. The incidence of postoperative anemia, transfusion rate and P/F ratio did not significantly differ between the two groups. This study suggests that intraoperative high-dose ferric carboxymaltose during lower limb total arthroplasty can facilitate the recovery from postoperative anemia. Although it could not prevent the occurrence of postoperative anemia or the administration of transfusion, this treatment seemed to overcome surgery-related decrease of iron availability.

Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose for the treatment of preoperative anemia in patients with menorrhagia: An open-label, multicenter, randomized study

AIM

To compare ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) with iron sucrose (IS) for the effective and timely treatment of preoperative iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women with menorrhagia.

METHODS

This open-label, multicenter, two-arm study randomized patients to receive either a single dose of FCM or multiple doses of IS. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved hemoglobin (Hb) levels ≥10 g/dL within 2 weeks after the first administration. Secondary endpoints included mean Hb levels, time to reach Hb ≥10 g/dL and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

In total, 101 patients (FCM n = 52; IS n = 49) were randomized to the study treatments. FCM was as effective as IS in achieving Hb ≥10 g/dL within 2 weeks after the first administration (78.8% vs 72.3%). The time to reach Hb ≥10 g/dL was significantly shorter in the FCM group than in the IS group (7.7 days vs 10.5 days). Mean Hb levels were higher in the FCM-treated patients than in the IS-treated patients with borderline significance. QoL scores did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Ferric carboxymaltose is as effective as IS in correcting preoperative IDA among patients with menorrhagia. The added benefits of FCM over IS included significant rapid correction of IDA, replenishment of iron stores and reduced hospital visits.

Risk of iron overload with chronic indiscriminate use of intravenous iron products in ESRD and IBD populations

The routine use of recombinant erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) over the past three decades has enabled the partial correction of anaemia in most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since ESA use frequently leads to iron deficiency, almost all ESA-treated haemodialysis patients worldwide receive intravenous iron (IV) to ensure sufficient available iron during ESA therapy. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also often treated with IV iron preparations, as anaemia is common in IBD. Over the past few years, liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the gold standard method for non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of iron overload diseases. Studies using MRI to quantify liver iron concentration in ESRD have shown a link between high infused iron dose and risk of haemosiderosis in dialysis patients. In September 2017, the Pharmacovigilance Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) considered convergent publications over the last few years on iatrogenic haemosiderosis in dialysis patients and requested that companies holding marketing authorization for iron products should investigate the risk of iron overload, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis and, by analogy, patients with IBD. We present a narrative review of data supporting the views and decision of the EMA, and then give our expert opinion on this controversial field of anaemia therapeutics.

Adverse Reactions After Intravenous Iron Infusion Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in the United States, 2010-2014

Background

Anemia is a frequent complication of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intravenous (IV) iron is recommended as the initial therapy for patients with clinically active IBD, severe anemia, and intolerance to oral iron. IV iron is associated with serious adverse effects including a black box warning for anaphylaxis with iron dextran and ferumoxytol. We aimed to examine the occurrence of adverse reactions including anaphylaxis after IV iron infusions in a large database of US IBD patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis for encounters occurring between 2010 and 2014 in MarketScan, a US commercial claims database. We assessed the following adverse events: anaphylactic shock, bronchospasm, and hypotension among IBD patients receiving ferumoxytol, iron dextran, ferric gluconate, iron sucrose, and ferric carboxymaltose. We calculated the adverse event rate per 1000 infusions within 7 days of IV iron infusion.

Results

In our study cohort of 6151 IBD patients (38.4% UC), 37 168 IV iron infusions were given (median, 3 infusions). There were very few adverse events; only 1.3% of IBD patients experienced any adverse reaction. The incident rate per 1000 infusions for any adverse event among IBD patients was highest among those receiving ferumoxytol (2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-5.11), ferric gluconate (1.85; 95% CI, 1.03-3.35), iron sucrose (1.74; 95% CI, 1.09-2.78), and iron dextran (0.96; 95% CI, 0.43-2.13). There were 0.24 anaphylactic shock events per 1000 IV iron infusions.

Conclusions

About 1.3 of 100 IBD patients ever developed any adverse event. Because adverse reactions are rare, physicians should be encouraged to adhere to recommended guidelines for iron replacement among anemic IBD patients. 10.1093/ibd/izy063_video1izy063.video15768853346001.

Practical guidance for the management of iron deficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are some of the most common systemic complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Symptoms such as fatigue, reduced ability to concentrate and reduced exercise tolerance can mimic common symptoms of IBD and can therefore easily be overseen. Furthermore, clinicians tend to see mild to moderate anemia as an inevitable accompaniment of IBD that is sufficiently explained by the underlying disease and does not require further workup. But in contrast to these clinical routines, current guidelines recommend that any degree of anemia in patients with IBD should be further evaluated and treated. Multiple studies have shown that anemia is a main factor for decreased quality of life (QoL) in patients with IBD. Correction of anemia, however, can significantly improve the QoL of patients with IBD. It is therefore recommended that every patient with IBD is regularly screened for iron deficiency and anemia. If detected, appropriate workup and treatment should be initiated. Over the last years, a number of new diagnostic tools and treatment options have been developed. Multiple studies have demonstrated the safety of newer formulations of intravenous iron in patients with IBD and have compared oral and intravenous iron in various situations. Treatment recommendations have changed and new evidence-based guidelines were developed. However, to date these guidelines are still not widely implemented in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the need for treatment for every level of anemia in patients with IBD and to provide some practical guidance for screening, diagnostics, treatment and follow up of IDA in patients with IBD following current international guidelines.

Insights into the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency is a frequent comorbidity of chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease that can severely impact the health and quality of life of affected individuals. It can exist as a silent condition and manifest in non-specific symptoms even in the absence of anemia. Even though iron deficiency anemia is the most common complication and extra-intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease, the majority of inflammatory bowel disease patients who are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia are not treated. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and review diagnostic and therapeutic options. Expert commentary: We invite international gastroenterological societies and associations to refine the practice guidelines and include iron deficiency as a potential morbidity associated with IBD in analogy to arthritis, uveitis or any other extra intestinal manifestations. There should a more unanimous agreement among different societies on the specific diagnostic cutoff values for C-reactive protein levels, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation in order to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from anemia of chronic disease.

A 1-year trial of repeated high-dose intravenous iron isomaltoside 1000 to maintain stable hemoglobin levels in inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer®) is a high-dose intravenous (IV) iron, which in a recent 8 weeks trial in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subjects with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) demonstrated good tolerability and efficacy. The present trial is an extension to this trial, which evaluates the need for additional high IV iron doses to maintain a stable hemoglobin (Hb) ≥12.0 g/dl.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label, 12 months trial of European IBD subjects willing to participate after completing the lead-in trial. Subjects were allowed re-dosing with 500-2000 mg single doses of iron isomaltoside 1000 infused over ∼15 min at 3 months intervals depending on a predefined algorithm. Outcome measures included Hb, safety parameters and need for additional iron dosing.

RESULTS

A total of 39 subjects were enrolled of which 34 subjects required re-dosing with a median cumulative 1-year dose of 1.8 g (mean cumulative dose 2.2 g). The mean (SD) Hb was 12.3 (1.5) g/dl at baseline, 12.8 (1.6) g/dl at 3 months, 12.8 (1.6) g/dl at 6 months, 12.9 (1.4) g/dl at 9 months and 12.9 (1.6) g/dl at 12 months. Seventy-four percent of subjects who had an Hb ≥12.0 g/dl at baseline were able to maintain Hb ≥12.0 g/dl till the end of the trial at 12 months. Nonserious probably related hypersensitivity reactions without significant hypotension were reported at the beginning of the infusion in two subjects, who recovered without sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Repeated treatment of iron deficiency with iron isomaltoside 1000 could avoid episodes of IDA without major safety issues.

Advances in Pediatric Intravenous Iron Therapy

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be very common worldwide. Intravenous (IV) iron is an infrequently used therapeutic option in children with IDA despite numerous studies in adults and several small but notable pediatric studies showing efficacy and safety. Presently, the availability of newer IV iron products allows for replacement of the total iron deficit at a single setting. These products appear safer compared to the high molecular weight iron dextrans of the past. Herein, we review the medical literature and suggest that front line use of IV iron should be strongly considered in diseases associated with IDA in children.

Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Nutritional iron deficiency anemia is the most common deficiency disorder, affecting more than two billion people worldwide. Oral iron supplementation is usually the first choice for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, but in many conditions, oral iron is less than ideal mainly because of gastrointestinal adverse events and the long course needed to treat the disease and replenish body iron stores. Intravenous iron compounds consist of an iron oxyhydroxide core, which is surrounded by a carbohydrate shell made of polymers such as dextran, sucrose or gluconate. The first iron product for intravenous use was the high molecular weight iron dextran. However, dextran-containing intravenous iron preparations are associated with an elevated risk of anaphylactic reactions, which made physicians reluctant to use intravenous iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia over many years. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose is a stable complex with the advantage of being non-dextran-containing and a very low immunogenic potential and therefore not predisposed to anaphylactic reactions. Its properties permit the administration of large doses (15 mg/kg; maximum of 1000 mg/infusion) in a single and rapid session (15-minute infusion) without the requirement of a test dose. The purpose of this review is to discuss some pertinent issues in relation to the history, pharmacology, administration, efficacy, and safety profile of ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of patients with iron deficiency anemia.

[Management of anemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

Anemia is one of the commonest extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The pathogenesis of anemia in IBD is complex but iron deficiency combined with inflammation is the most common factor related to the development of anemia. However, other causes such as vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, hemolysis, myelosuppression and drug also should not be overlooked. In addition to ferritin, inflammatory markers and new biochemical parameters such as hepcidin and ferritin index are being tested as diagnostic a tool. First step for treatment is disease activity control and iron supplementation. Although oral iron is widely used, intravenous iron therapy should be considered in patients who are intolerant to oral iron therapy, have severe and refractory anemia or are in active disease state. Recently, new intravenous iron formulations have been introduced and due to their safety and easy usage, they have become the standard treatment modality for managing anemia in IBD. Erythropoietin and transfusion can be considered in specific situations. Vitamin B12 and folate supplementation is also important in patients who are deficient of these micronutrients. Since anemia in IBD patients could significantly influence the disease outcome, further studies and standard guideline for IBD are needed.

The effect of intravenous iron treatment on quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease patients with nonanemic iron deficiency

Background. Iron deficiency is the prevalent complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we investigated the effect of intravenous iron treatment on quality of life (QoL) in nonanemic and iron deficient IBD patients. Methods. Eighty-five IBD patients were recruited for this study. The patients were intravenously administered 500 mg iron sucrose in the first week of the study. Hematologic parameters and QoL were evaluated before to iron treatment and during the 12th week of treatment. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey were used to assess QoL. Results. Prior to intravenous iron administration, the IBDQ, SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were 152.3 ± 30.6, 46.7 ± 7.3, and 45.7 ± 9.8, respectively. In the 12th week of iron administration, those scores were 162.3 ± 25.5 (P < 0.001), 49.3 ± 6.4 (P < 0.001), and 47.6 ± 8.9 (P = 0.024), respectively, which were all significantly different from the scores prior to iron administration. The mean changes in the IBDQ scores for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease were 8.7% and 3.0% (P = 0.029), were 6.4% and 4.7% (P = 0.562) for the SF-36 PCS, and were 4.6% and 3.2% (P = 0.482) for the SF-36 MCS, respectively. Conclusion. Intravenous iron treatment may improve QoL in nonanemic, but iron deficient, IBD patients.

Anemia in inflammatory bowel disease: A neglected issue with relevant effects

Anemia, a common complication associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is frequently overlooked in the management of IBD patients. Unfortunately, it represents one of the major causes of both decreased quality of life and increased hospital admissions among this population. Anemia in IBD is pathogenically complex, with several factors contributing to its development. While iron deficiency is the most common cause, vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid deficiencies, along with the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hemolysis, drug therapies, and myelosuppression, have also been identified as the underlying etiology in a number of patients. Each of these etiological factors thus needs to be identified and corrected in order to effectively manage anemia in IBD. Because the diagnosis of anemia in IBD often presents a challenge, combinations of several hematimetric and biochemical parameters should be used. Recent studies underscore the importance of determining the ferritin index and hepcidin levels in order to distinguish between iron deficiency anemia, anemia due to chronic disease, or mixed anemia in IBD patients. With regard to treatment, the newly introduced intravenous iron formulations have several advantages over orally-administered iron compounds in treating iron deficiency in IBD. In special situations, erythropoietin supplementation and biological therapies should be considered. In conclusion, the management of anemia is a complex aspect of treating IBD patients, one that significantly influences the prognosis of the disease. As a consequence, its correction should be considered a specific, first-line therapeutic goal in the management of these patients.

The management of iron deficiency in inflammatory bowel disease--an online tool developed by the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency is a common and undertreated problem in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM

To develop an online tool to support treatment choice at the patient-specific level.

METHODS

Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RUAM), a European expert panel assessed the appropriateness of treatment regimens for a variety of clinical scenarios in patients with non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Treatment options included adjustment of IBD medication only, oral iron supplementation, high-/low-dose intravenous (IV) regimens, IV iron plus erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA), and blood transfusion. The panel process consisted of two individual rating rounds (1148 treatment indications; 9-point scale) and three plenary discussion meetings.

RESULTS

The panel reached agreement on 71% of treatment indications. 'No treatment' was never considered appropriate, and repeat treatment after previous failure was generally discouraged. For 98% of scenarios, at least one treatment was appropriate. Adjustment of IBD medication was deemed appropriate in all patients with active disease. Use of oral iron was mainly considered an option in NAID and mildly anaemic patients without disease activity. IV regimens were often judged appropriate, with high-dose IV iron being the preferred option in 77% of IDA scenarios. Blood transfusion and IV+ESA were indicated in exceptional cases only.

CONCLUSIONS

The RUAM revealed high agreement amongst experts on the management of iron deficiency in patients with IBD. High-dose IV iron was more often considered appropriate than other options. To facilitate dissemination of the recommendations, panel outcomes were embedded in an online tool, accessible via http://ferroscope.com/.

Emerging causes of iron deficiency anemia refractory to oral iron supplementation

While oral iron supplementation is commonly used throughout many clinical setting, treatment with intravenous (IV) iron has historically been reserved for specific settings, such as chronic kidney disease, gynecologic issues, and anemia associated with cancer and its treatments. However, the use of IV iron has begun to gain popularity in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) associated with two conditions that are being seen more frequently than in years past: patients who are status post gastric bypass procedure and those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Roux-en-Y procedure involves connecting a gastric pouch to the jejunum, creating a blind loop consisting of distal stomach, duodenum, and proximal jejunum that connects to the Roux limb to form a common tract. IDA occurs in 6%-50% of patients who have undergone a gastric bypass, the etiology being multifactorial. The proximal gastric pouch, the primary site of gastric acid secretion, is bypassed, resulting in a decreased ability to metabolize molecular iron. Once metabolized, most iron is absorbed in the duodenum, which is entirely bypassed. After undergoing bypass procedures, most patients significantly limit their intake of red meat, another factor contributing to post-bypass IDA. Chronic anemia occurs in approximately 1/3 of patients who suffer from IBD, and almost half of all IBD patients are iron deficient. IBD leads to IDA through multiple mechanisms, including chronic intestinal blood loss, decreased absorption capabilities of the duodenum secondary to inflammation, and an inability of many IBD patients to tolerate the side effects of oral ferrous sulfate. In this study, we reviewed the charts of all patients who received IV iron at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/University of Miami Hospital Clinic from January 2007 to May 2012. The most common indications for IV iron were for issues related to cancer and its treatment (21.9%), IBD (20.1%), and gastric bypass (15.0%). Of the 262 patients who received IV iron, 230 received iron sucrose and 36 received iron dextran. While doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg of iron sucrose were given, 100 and 200 mg were by far the most common dosages used, 122 and 120 times, respectively. The number of dosages of iron sucrose given ranged from 1 to 46, with a mean of 5.5 and a median of 4 doses. The average dose of iron dextran given was 870.5 mg, with 1000 mg being the most common dosage used. Most patients (22 of 36) who received iron dextran only received one dose. While patients with traditional indications for IV iron, such as gynecologic issues and kidney disease, still were represented in this study, we expect to see a continued increase in physicians using IV iron for emerging gastrointestinal indications, especially considering the increased safety of new low-molecular formulations.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose in treating adults with iron deficiency anemia

Background

Iron deficiency is the most common disorder in the world, affecting approximately 25% of the world`s population and the most common cause of anemia.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron sucrose (IS) in the treatment of adults with iron deficiency anemia

Methods

Eighty-six adult patients with iron deficiency anemia, who had intolerance or showed no effect with oral iron therapy, received a weekly dose of 200 mg of intravenous iron sucrose until the hemoglobin level was corrected or until receiving the total dose of intravenous iron calculated for each patient

Results

The mean hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were 8.54 g/dL and 7.63 ng/mL (pre-treatment) and 12.1 g/dL and 99.0 ng/mL (post-treatment) (p-value < 0.0001), respectively. The average increases in hemoglobin levels were 3.29 g/dL for women and 4.58 g/dL for men; 94% of male and 84% of female patients responded (hemoglobin increased by at least 2 g/dL) to intravenous iron therapy. Correction of anemia was obtained in 47 of 69 (68.1%) female patients and in 12 of 17 male (70.6%) patients. A total of 515 intravenous infusions of iron sucrose were administered and iron sucrose was generally well tolerated with no moderate or serious adverse drug reactions recorded by the investigators.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that the use of intravenous iron sucrose is a safe and effective option in the treatment of adult patients with iron deficiency anemia who lack satisfactory response to oral iron therapy. Intravenous iron sucrose is well tolerated and with a clinically manageable safety profile when using appropriate dosing and monitoring. The availability of intravenous iron sucrose would potentially improve compliance and thereby reduce morbidities from iron deficiency.

Intravenous iron therapy: how far have we come?

Oral iron supplementation is usually the first choice for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) because of its effectiveness and low cost. But unfortunately in many iron deficient conditions, oral iron is a less than the ideal treatment mainly because of adverse events related to the gastrointestinal tract as well as the long course required to treat anemia and replenish body iron stores. The first iron product for intravenous use was high-molecular-weight iron dextran. However, dextran-containing intravenous iron preparations are associated with an elevated risk of anaphylactic reactions, which made physicians reluctant to prescribe intravenous iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia for many years. In 1999 and 2001, two new intravenous iron preparations (ferric gluconate and iron sucrose) were introduced into the market as safer alternatives to iron dextran. Over the last five years, three new intravenous iron dextran-free preparations have been developed and have better safety profiles than the more traditional intravenous compounds, as none require test doses and all these products are promising in respect to a more rapid replacement of body iron stores (15-60 minutes/infusion) as they can be given at higher doses (from 500 mg to more than 1000 mg/infusion). The purpose of this review is to discuss some pertinent issues in relation to the history, pharmacology, administration, efficacy, safety profile and toxicity of intravenous iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

State of the iron: how to diagnose and efficiently treat iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) frequently occurs in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and negatively impacts their quality of life. Nevertheless, the condition appears to be both under-diagnosed and undertreated. Regular biochemical screening of patients with IBD for anemia by the gastroenterology community has to be advocated. Oral iron is a low cost treatment however its effectiveness is limited by low bioavailability and poor tolerability. Intravenous (IV) iron rapidly replenishes iron stores and has demonstrated its safe use in a number of studies in various therapeutic areas. A broad spectrum of new IV iron formulations is now becoming available offering improved tolerability and patient convenience by rapidly restoring the depleted iron status of patients with IBD. The following article aims to review the magnitude of the problem of IDA in IBD, suggest screening standards and highlight existing and future therapies.

Management of iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease - a practical approach

Although anemia is the most common systemic manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among the broad spectrum of extraintestinal disease complications encountered in IBD, including arthritis and osteopathy, it has generally received little consideration. However, not only in terms of frequency, but also with regard to its potential effect on hospitalization rates and on the quality of life and work, anemia is indeed a significant and costly complication of IBD. Anemia is multifactorial in nature, the most prevalent etiological forms being iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and anemia of chronic disease. In a condition associated with inflammation, such as IBD, the determination of iron status using common biochemical parameters alone is inadequate. A more accurate assessment may be attained using new iron indices including reticulocyte hemoglobin content, percentage of hypochromic red cells or zinc protoporphyrin. While oral iron supplementation has traditionally been a mainstay of IDA treatment, it has also been linked to extensive gastrointestinal side effects and possible disease exacerbation. However, many physicians are still reluctant to administer iron intravenously, despite the wide availability of a variety of new IV preparations with improved safety profiles, and despite the recommendations of international expert guidelines. This article discusses improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on new clinical insights into the regulation of iron homeostasis.

Cost-minimization analysis favours intravenous ferric carboxymaltose over ferric sucrose for the ambulatory treatment of severe iron deficiency

OBJECTIVE

Intravenous iron is widely used to treat iron deficiency in day-care units. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) allows administration of larger iron doses than iron sucrose (IS) in each infusion (1000 mg vs. 200 mg). As FCM reduces the number of infusions required but is more expensive, we performed a cost-minimization analysis to compare the cost impact of the two drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The number of infusions and the iron dose of 111 consecutive patients who received intravenous iron at a gastrointestinal diseases day-care unit from 8/2007 to 7/2008 were retrospectively obtained. Costs of intravenous iron drugs were obtained from the Spanish regulatory agencies. The accounting department of the Hospital determined hospital direct and indirect costs for outpatient iron infusion. Non-hospital direct costs were calculated on the basis of patient interviews. In the pharmacoeconomic model, base case mean costs per patient were calculated for administering 1000 mg of iron per infusion using FCM or 200 mg using IS. Sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were performed.

RESULTS

Under baseline assumptions, the estimated cost of iron infusion per patient and year was €304 for IS and €274 for FCM, a difference of €30 in favour of FCM. Adding non-hospital direct costs to the model increased the difference to €67 (€354 for IS vs. €287 for FCM). A Monte Carlo simulation taking into account non-hospital direct costs favoured the use of FCM in 97% of simulations.

CONCLUSION

In this pharmacoeconomic analysis, FCM infusion reduced the costs of iron infusion at a gastrointestinal day-care unit.

ADMET considerations for restless leg syndrome drug treatments

INTRODUCTION

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that might impair nocturnal rest causing decreased alertness, depressed mood, reduced job performance, and poor quality of life. In patients affected by severe RLS, a pharmacological treatment is mandatory.

AREAS COVERED

The present review is based on a search using PubMed from 1994 to 2012. It is focused on the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination and Toxicology (ADMET) characteristics of the most used medications for RLS. In particular, the ADMET characteristics of dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants able to improve neuropathic pain, and iron were discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinical trials have showed that non-ergolic dopamine agonists are efficacious and safe for patients affected by moderate to severe idiopathic RLS. However, no head-to-head study has compared the long-term effects of the three dopamine agonists approved by the FDA for RLS (ropinirole, pramipexole, and rotigotine). Moreover, further studies should investigate the extended-release formulation of ropinirole and pramipexole in RLS patients affected by all day long distressing symptoms. A standardized treatment for symptomatic forms of RLS is lacking. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials should be performed at least in RLS patients with peripheral neuropathic and chronic kidney disease. Concerning RLS due to iron deficiency, a head-to-head study comparing efficacy, safety and compliance of oral iron versus intravenous one seems to be needed.

Anaemia and iron deficiency in children with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anaemia and iron deficiency are common in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) however it is not known if the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency alters following diagnosis.

METHODS

Laboratory results from diagnosis, and at follow up one and two years later were recorded retrospectively in children with IBD recruited from a tertiary centre. Anaemia was defined using WHO standards and iron deficiency defined using published guidelines.

RESULTS

46 children (16 girls) with Crohn's disease and 34 children (18 girls) with UC were studied. 75% of children with IBD were anaemic at diagnosis, 30% were anaemic at follow up two years later. 90% of children with Crohn's and 95% of children with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) were iron deficient at diagnosis. At follow up two years later 70% of children with Crohn's and 65% of children with UC were iron deficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent anaemia and iron deficiency are common in childhood IBD, prevalence alters with duration of time from diagnosis.

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron is essential to virtually all living organisms and is integral to multiple metabolic functions. The most important function is oxygen transport in hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia in dogs and cats is usually caused by chronic blood loss and can be discovered incidentally as animals may have adapted to the anemia. Severe iron deficiency is characterized by a microcytic, hypochromic, potentially severe anemia with a variable regenerative response. Iron metabolism and homeostasis will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of diagnostic testing and therapeutic recommendations for dogs and cats with iron deficiency anemia.

Beyond efficacy and safety-the need for convenient and cost-effective iron therapy in health care

The National Service Framework advocates correction of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral iron is insufficient, while intravenous (IV) supplementation replenishes and maintains iron stores. Previously, effective delivery of iron therapy using available parenteral preparations has been hampered by dosing schedules and the need in some cases of a test dose. The introduction in Europe of newer iron preparations, including iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer) and iron carboxymaltose (Ferinject), now offers a potentially safe, effective and time-efficient method of outpatient iron repletion. This may potentially lead to better cost-effectiveness in a resource-limited service.

A comparative study of the physicochemical properties of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer), a new intravenous iron preparation and its clinical implications

The treatment of iron deficiency anemia with polynuclear iron formulations is an established therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease but also in other disease areas like gastroenterology, cardiology, oncology, pre/post operatively and obstetrics' and gynecology. Parenteral iron formulations represent colloidal systems in the lower nanometer size range which have traditionally been shown to consist of an iron core surrounded by a carbohydrate shell. In this publication, we for the first time describe the novel matrix structure of iron isomaltoside 1000 which differs from the traditional picture of an iron core surrounded by a carbohydrate. Despite some structural similarities between the different iron formulations, the products differ significantly in their physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, free and labile iron content, and release of iron in serum. This study compares the physiochemical properties of iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer) with the currently available intravenous iron preparations and relates them to their biopharmaceutical properties and their approved clinical applications. The investigated products encompass low molecular weight iron dextran (CosmoFer), sodium ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit), iron sucrose (Venofer), iron carboxymaltose (Ferinject/Injectafer), and ferumoxytol (Feraheme) which are compared to iron isomaltoside 1000 (Monofer). It is shown that significant and clinically relevant differences exist between sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose as labile iron formulations and iron dextran, iron carboxymaltose, ferumoxytol, and iron isomaltoside 1000 as stable polynuclear formulations. The differences exist in terms of their immunogenic potential, safety, and convenience of use, the latter being expressed by the opportunity for high single-dose administration and short infusion times. Monofer is a new parenteral iron product with a very low immunogenic potential and a very low content of labile and free iron. This enables Monofer, as the only IV iron formulation, to be administered as a rapid high dose infusion in doses exceeding 1000 mg without the application of a test dose. This offers considerable dose flexibility, including the possibility of providing full iron repletion in a single infusion (one-dose iron repletion).

[Use of intravenous iron infusion in a gastroenterology day hospital: Indications, dosage and adverse effects]

There are no data in the literature on the use of intravenous iron infusion in gastroenterology day hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the indications, dosage and tolerance of intravenous iron infusion in outpatients attending a gastroenterology day hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who received intravenous iron infusion between August 2007 and July 2008. The indications, dosage, transfusion requirements, adverse effects and patients' clinical and laboratory data were recorded.

RESULTS

During the study period, 111 patients (41% women, with a mean age of 63.8 ± 18 years) received intravenous iron infusions. The main causes of anemia indicating iron administration were portal hypertensive gastropathy (n=55), inflammatory bowel disease (n=22) and intestinal angiodysplasia (n=12). The patients received a total of 557 iron infusions with a mean dose of 1033 mg iron per patient. There were no adverse effects. Despite the treatment, 46 patients required transfusion. Iron and transfusion requirements and mortality were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than in the remainder of the study group.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous iron therapy is frequently used in the gastroenterology day hospital. Most infusions were administered in patients with chronic iron loss. Patients with liver cirrhosis had the most severe anemia and underlying disease and the highest mortality.

[Anemia in the elderly]

Anemia is a common disorder in the elderly and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In elderly subjects, in whom anemia is highly prevalent, there are several aspects, such as a hemoglobin at a level which should concern us limit, or identifying its causes, that are not easy to establish. This review focuses on knowing what is considered to be normal hemoglobin levels in adults and the common causes and potential consequences of anemia in elderly patients. It provides a diagnostic algorithm and an approach to treatment that addresses new treatments such as parenteral iron drugs and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia associated with gastrointestinal tract diseases

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common site of bleeding that may lead to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Treatment of IDA depends on severity and acuity of patients’ signs and symptoms. While red blood cell transfusions may be required in hemodynamically unstable patients, transfusions should be avoided in chronically anemic patients due to their potential side effects and cost. Iron studies need to be performed after episodes of GI bleeding and stores need to be replenished before anemia develops. Oral iron preparations are efficacious but poorly tolerated due to non-absorbed iron-mediated GI side effects. However, oral iron dose may be reduced with no effect on its efficacy while decreasing side effects and patient discontinuation rates. Parenteral iron therapy replenishes iron stores quicker and is better tolerated than oral therapy. Serious hypersensitive reactions are very rare with new intravenous preparations. While data on worsening of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity by oral iron therapy are not conclusive, parenteral iron therapy still seems to be advantageous in the treatment of IDA in patients with IBD, because oral iron may not be sufficient to overcome the chronic blood loss and GI side effects of oral iron which may mimic IBD exacerbation. Finally, we believe the choice of oral vs parenteral iron therapy in patients with IBD should primarily depend on acuity and severity of patients’ signs and symptoms.

Intravenous iron in digestive diseases: a clinical (re)view

Intravenous iron has been considered dangerous by many clinicians. In the last two decades, considerable experience has been gained with new formulations in different clinical settings. Data from clinical trials, observational studies, and postmarketing surveillance studies demonstrate that intravenous iron is safe and effective to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency is particularly common in many digestive diseases: oral iron often fails while transfusions are not without considerable risks. In particular, in inflammatory bowel diseases, there is enough evidence to recommend intravenous iron in moderate-to-severe iron deficiency anaemia, in intolerance to oral iron, and in patients needing quick recovery (pre-operative setting). New formulations make treatment even easier and more convenient. Recent guidelines are available for inflammatory bowel diseases, and new guidelines in acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding are needed.

Clinical use of intravenous iron: administration, efficacy, and safety

This section reviews the history, pharmacology, administration, efficacy, and toxicity of intravenous iron. Intravenous iron offers advantages over oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia across a wide range of disease states associated with absolute and functional iron deficiency. However, there remain concerns about the acute safety profiles of the available preparations and the potential for long-term toxicity with their repeated administration. Seven intravenous iron formulations are available. Confusion concerning the relative toxicities of the different formulations abounds. The similarities and differences are discussed. Iron repletion has been associated with adverse outcomes in infections. The relationship, if any, between intravenous iron administration and infections is reviewed. The potential advantages of total dose infusion (TDI), complete repletion in a single setting, are highlighted. A new paradigm for iron replacement therapy in iron deficiency anemia is presented.