The frequency and significance of Iron-Deficiency anemia in patients with selected concurrent illness

Approximately 30% of the world’s population is anemic, of which 50% is iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The extent to which IDA affects patients with concomitant illness has not been described.A systematic review was conducted on the prevalence of IDA and its relationship to clinical outcomes in selected concurrent illness. After pooling the results of eligible studies, we found considerable disparities in the prevalence for IDA, which varied by the diagnostic tools employed. When bone marrow aspirates were used, the prevalence of IDA was: 52% for rheumatoid arthritis, 53% for inflammatory bowel disease, 54% for HIV, and 73% for heart failure. However, when serum ferritin was used, the estimates were: 39%, 22%, 38%, and 32%, respectively. Decreased survival and peak VO2 were also reported in heart failure patients with IDA.IDA is prevalent in concomitant illness and can be underestimated. It may also be an important indicator of adverse prognosis. copyright Internet Scientific Publications, LLC., 1996 to 2010

• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
• Co-morbidities
  • Other