A comprehensive evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in iron-deficiency anemia with predefined hemoglobin below 9 mg/dL: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundAnemia is defined as hemoglobin below the cutoff of normal in studies examining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Although the risk of GI cancer (GIC) increases as hemoglobin decreases, guidelines do not usually recommend hemoglobin thresholds for IDA investigation.MethodsTo elucidate whether underlying GI disorders explain the different hemoglobin values and clinical outcomes observed initially in IDA patients referred for GI workup, we prospectively investigated the diagnostic yield of a thorough GI examination in consecutive IDA adults with predefined hemoglobin <9 g/dL and no extraintestinal bleeding.Results4552 patients were enrolled over 10 years. 96% of 4038 GI lesions were consistent with occult bleeding disorders and 4% with non-bleeding disorders. Predominant bleeding disorders included upper GI ulcerative/erosive lesions (51%), GIC (15%), and angiodysplasias (12%). Diffuse angiodysplasias (45% of angiodysplasias) and GIC showed the lowest hemoglobin values (6.3 [1.5] and 6.4 [1.3] g/dL, respectively). While the spread (diffuse vs. localized) and number (<3 vs. ≥3) of angiodysplasias correlated with the degree of anemia, hemoglobin values were lower in GIC with vs. without ulcerated/friable lesions (6.0 [1.1] vs. 7.0 [1.2] g/dL, P < 0.001).ConclusionNot only GIC but also diffuse angiodysplasias caused the most severe anemia in IDA with predefined hemoglobin values <9 g/dL.     

Predictive risk factors and prevalence of malignancy in patients with iron deficiency anemia in Taiwan

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancy is one of the important causes of chronic iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The present study was designed to find out the prevalence and the predictive risk factors of malignancy in the IDA patients. We performed a prospective study in 148 patients with chronic IDA. A series of examinations to explore the GI tract were performed either by radiology and/or endoscopy. A Tc-RBC GI bleeding study was also performed, and prevalence and risk factors of malignancy were calculated. Totally 148 patients were enrolled, with mean age 66.2 years; 88 were male. Eighteen patients (12.2%) were found to have malignant tumors. Ten (6.8%) had benign tumors, and 96 (64.9%) had other benign conditions. No lesions could be detected in 24 patients (16.2%). Clinical symptoms and presence of fecal occult blood could not predict malignancy or any GI lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed serum ferritin < or =10 microg/L, LDH >250 U/L, and aging as the risk factors of malignancy in the IDA patients (P = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.027; and OR = 7.614, 8.955, and 1.062, respectively). An IDA patient with both serum ferritin < or =10 microg/L and LDH >250 U/L ran a 74.33-times higher risk of malignancy than the patient without (95% CI: 7.115-776.479). Malignancy was an important cause of IDA. High LDH, low serum ferritin, and aging were the risk factors of malignancy in the IDA patients.     

ORBIT score: an useful predictor of small bowel rebleeding in patients under chronic anticoagulation

Background and study aims: Available scoring systems to assess the risk for major bleeding in patients on chronic anticoagulation seem inadequate in predicting higher diagnostic yields of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) or higher rebleeding rates in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the new ORBIT score in predicting positive findings of SBCE or higher rebleeding rates in chronically anticoagulated patients with suspected small bowel bleeding.

Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of 570 patients who consecutively underwent SBCE for the study of suspected small bowel bleeding. For each of the 67 patients who were on chronic anticoagulation, ORBIT score (Older age, Reduced hemoglobin/hematocrit, Bleeding history, Insufficient kidney function and Treatment with antiplatelets) was calculated. Patients were classified as high-risk (ORBIT score?≥4) or low/intermediate-risk (ORBIT score?<4). Data on SBCE findings, diagnostic yield and rebleeding were compared between groups.

Results: When ORBIT score was calculated, 41 and 26 patients were classified as low/intermediate-risk and high-risk, respectively. When low/intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were compared, no differences were found in the diagnostic yield of SBCE (39.0% vs. 23.1%; p?=?.176). However, in high-risk patients, rebleeding was significantly more common than in low/intermediate-risk patients (80.0% vs. 36.6%; p?=?.003).

Conclusions: In patients presenting with suspected small bowel bleeding and on chronic anticoagulation, the new ORBIT score seems promising in identifying those with a higher risk of rebleeding, in whom a closer follow-up and a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is advisable.     

Under-diagnosing and under-treating iron deficiency in hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To determine whether patients hospitalized with gastrointestinal(GI) blood loss anemia are being checked and treated for iron deficiency. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients admitted to a single tertiary care hospital between 11/1/2011 and 1/31/2012 for any type of GI bleeding. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients who had their iron studies checked during a hospitalization for GI blood loss anemia. Secondary outcomes included percentage of anemic GI bleeders who had adequate documentation of anemia and iron deficiency, and those who were treated for their iron deficiency. Then we tried to identify possible predictors of checking iron studies in an attempt to understand the thought process that physicians go through when managing these patients. Iron deficiency was defined as Iron saturation less than 15% or ferritin level less than 45 μg/L. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin level less than 13 g/dL for males and 12 g/dL for females.RESULTS: Three hundred and seven GI bleeders were hospitalized during the study period, and 282 of those(91.9%) had anemia during their hospital stay. Ninetyfive patients(30.9%) had iron studies performed during hospitalization, and 45 of those(47.4%) were actually found to be iron deficient. Only 29 of those 45 iron deficient patients were discharged home on iron supplements. Of the 282 patients that had anemia during hospitalization, 50(17.7%) had no documentation of the anemia in their hospital chart. Of the 45 patients that had lab proven iron deficiency anemia(IDA), only 22(48.5%) had documentation of IDA in at least one note in their chart. Predictors of checking iron studies in anemic GI bleeders were lower mean corpuscular volume, documentation of anemia, having fecal occult blood testing, not having hematemesis or past history of GI bleeding. There were no significant differences between the teaching and non-teaching services in any patient characteristics or outcomes. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency is under-diagnosed, under-recognized even when iron studies were checked, and under-treated in hospitalized patients with GI bleeding.     

Clinical factors associated with positive capsule endoscopy findings in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a single-center study

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a useful tool for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), but positive finding rate differs among trials, which may be attributable to the difference in patients’ background.

Objectives: To evaluate the predictive factors associated with positive findings on CE.

Methods: Consecutive patients with OGIB who underwent CE between March 2004 and May 2015 at a single university hospital were enrolled. Patients’ clinical factors and CE data were reviewed retrospectively, and we evaluated the relationship between clinical factors and positive findings by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results: Five hundred and seventy-eight patients were included in the analysis. Positive CE findings were obtained in 284 patients (49.1%). In multivariate analysis, low hemoglobin level (odds ratio (OR), 1.142 per 1?g/dL decrease; p?<?.001), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score (OR, 1.170 per 1 point increase; p?=?.002), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (OR, 1.640; p?=?.044) were associated with an increased prevalence of positive findings. As for components of CCI, malignant tumor (OR, 1.839; p?=?.017) was associated with the positive findings.

Conclusions: OGIB patient with a low-hemoglobin level, complex and severe comorbidities, and NSAID use should receive CE.     

Evaluation of hypercoagulability with rotational thromboelastometry in children with iron deficiency anemia

ABSTRACT

Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for thromboembolic events, although the pathogenesis of the development of thromboembolism in IDA is as yet unclear. The likelihood of children with IDA contracting hypercoagulability was evaluated in this cross-sectional study using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

Material and Method: A total of 57 children with IDA (median age 11 years; 37 female, 20 male) and 48 healthy children (median age 9.9 years; 23 female, 25 male) were enrolled in the study. Whole blood count, serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin level, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen levels were ascertained, while ROTEM assays [intrinsic TEM (INTEM) and extrinsic TEM (EXTEM)] were used to measure and analyze coagulation time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF) and rate of maximum lysis (ML60%). This study conforms to ethical standards, has been approved by the appropriate Institutional Review Board.

Results: Hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels were lower in the IDA group than in the control group (p?<?0.001, for all), while the EXTEM and INTEM CT in the two groups were similar (p?>?0.05). The EXTEM and INTEM MCF in the IDA group was higher than in the control group, while the INTEM CFT and rate of ML60% were lower than in the control group (p?<?0.001, p?<?0.001, p?<?0.05, p?<?0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The ROTEM results suggest that although the platelet count and coagulation tests were within normal ranges in IDA, the tendency to coagulate may have been increased.     

Lanreotide in the management of small bowel angioectasias: seven-year data from a tertiary centre

Background and aims: Haemorrhage from small bowel angioectasias (SBAs) can be debilitating to patients who are very often elderly and have multiple comorbidities. Our aim was to assess the use of lanreotide in addition to endotherapy in patients with SBAs.

Method: Patients with SBAs on capsule endoscopy (CE) who received lanreotide injections from January 2010 to till the present day at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield were included. Baseline demographics were recorded. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of improvement in mean haemoglobin, transfusion requirements and bleeding episodes.

Results: Twelve patients (67% males, mean age 74 SD?±?15.5 years) were included. All patients had multiple comorbidities. Lanreotide was given at a dosage of 60?mg (42%), 90?mg (33%) or 120?mg (25%). It was given at a four-week interval in 75% of patients and at a six-week interval in 17% of patients. One patient (8%) received a single dose. The mean duration of treatment was 19 months SD?±?14.5. Only 17% of patients had their lanreotide stopped due to cholelithiasis.

There was a significant improvement in mean haemoglobin: 86.8 versus 98.0 (131–166?g/L, p?=?.012). The mean number of bleeding episodes (4.18 versus 1.09, p?=?.010) and packed red cells (323 versus 152, p?=?.006) received improved. Patients required less DBEs?±?APCs after starting lanreotide (19 versus 11 p?=?.048).

Conclusion: Lanreotide is a useful adjuvant treatment to therapeutic enteroscopy in patients with refractory obscure gastrointestinal bleeding due to SBAs. It improves haemoglobin levels, reduces transfusion requirements, bleeding episodes and number of DBEs. Overall, it has a good safety profile.     

Iron deficiency anemia referral to the hematologist. Real-world data from Mexico: the need for targeted teaching in primary care*

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the referral patterns and etiology of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) at an academic hematology center in northeast Mexico.

Methods: We included all consecutive outpatients older than 16 years, non-pregnant, with IDA diagnosed in the Hematology Service of the Dr. José E. González University Hospital between January 2012 and May 2017. Appropriate data were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record. Data regarding first medical contact (primary care physician or hematologist) were compared.

Results: One hundred fifty-three patients were included in this study. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 35–51) and 85.6% were female; 128 (83.7%) patients were seen by a primary care physician before our evaluation. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) was the cause of IDA in 76 patients (49.6%), gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in 31 (20.2%), H. pylori infection in 12 (7.8%), urinary tract bleeding in three (1.9%) and malabsorption-syndrome in two (1.3%). The etiology remained unknown in 29 (18.9%). The p value was <0.05 between groups according to the first medical contact, including frequency of at least one sign or symptom of IDA, previous use of iron supplementation and blood transfusion, comorbidities, complete blood count at diagnosis, and resolution rates of anemia.

Conclusion: The majority of our IDA patients were referred by another physician. Nearly half of the patients with IDA had AUB. IDA remains a diagnostic challenge for first contact physicians requiring a targeted educational intervention to improve IDA awareness and diagnostic skills.     

The increase in bone mineral density by bisphosphonate with active vitamin D analog is associated with the serum calcium level within the reference interval in postmenopausal osteoporosis

Objectives: To examine the factors associated with increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD) by bisphosphonates (BPs) with active vitamin D analog (aVD).

Methods: Two independent postmenopausal osteoporotic patients treated by BPs with aVD for 24 months (Study 1: n?=?93, Study 2: n?=?99) were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: In Study 1, LS-BMD of the patients significantly increased for 24 m (5.4%, p?r²: 0.088, p?=?.02). While average sCa of the patients was 9.2?mg/dL before treatment, it increased time-dependently to 9.6?mg/dL for 24 m by treatment. As each patient had their LS-BMD five times during the study, there were four instances of %LS-BMD in each patient, resulting in 372 instances of %LS-BMD in Study 1. The smallest Akaike’s information criterion value for the most appropriate cut-off levels of sCa for %LS-BMD by treatment every 6 m was 9.3?mg/dL. The %LS-BMD by treatment for 6 m during 24 m period in patients with sCa ≥9.3?mg/dL (1.5%) was significantly higher than that in patients with sCa <9.3?mg/dL (0.8%, p?=?.038). The results of Study 2 were similar to those of Study 1, confirming the phenomena observed.

Conclusion: sCa was associated with an increased LS-BMD by BPs with aVD.     

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of warm-type autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Objectives: To study the clinical manifestations, outcomes, and survival of warm-type autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) patients.

Methods: This study was a retrospective single-center study from 2002 to 2013. Clinical data of AIHA patients were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: One hundred and one patients were included, of whom 77% were female with a median age of 43 years. Primary AIHA was found in 61% of the patients. The secondary causes were systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (64%), solid malignancies (13%), lymphomas (10%), drugs (8%), and infections (5%). Most patients (96%) responded to steroids, which were not different between primary and secondary AIHA. Second-line treatments were required in 33 patients (33%). The indications were steroid dependence (58%), relapse (30%), and others (12%). The most common second-line treatment was cyclophosphamide (52%). The response rate for second-line treatments was 93%. Relapse occurred in 50 patients (50%) in which 58% occurred more than 3 years after diagnosis. The SLE patients relapsed and received second-line therapy more than the non-SLE group (P?<?0.001). At the median 53-month follow-up, the overall survival (OS) was 84%. The independent risk factors for OS were age more than 50 years and malignancy. Sepsis was the most common cause of death.

Discussion and conclusion: AIHA has a good prognosis and long-term survival especially in young patients without malignancy. Most patients have responded initially to steroids and have a high response rate to second-line therapy. Carefully adjusted and rapid taper of immunosuppressant is necessary to avoid sepsis complications.     

Predictors of hemostatic failure after adrenaline injection in patients with peptic ulcers with non‐bleeding visible vessel

Background: Non‐bleeding visible vessel (NBVV) in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer is associated with a high risk of rebleeding. The aim of this study was to define factors associated with failure of endoscopic hemostasis and rebleeding in patients with NBVV. Methods: Clinical and endoscopic parameters related to failure of endoscopic hemostasis with adrenaline in 191 bleeding peptic ulcer patients with NBVV were evaluated. Results: Endoscopic hemostasis was permanently successful in 154 patients (80.6%). Emergency surgical hemostasis for rebleeding was required in 37 patients (19.4%). Univariate analysis showed that therapeutic failure was significantly related to the presence of shock on admission (P?=?0.003), posterior duodenal ulcers (P?=?0.001), peptic ulcer history (P?=?0.001), previous peptic ulcer bleeding (P?=?0.002), or lack of history of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs consumption, when compared to use of such drugs (P?=?0.04). Patients where therapy failed had lower hemoglobin levels at admission (7.8?±?1.9?g/dL versus 10?±?2.4?g/dL, P?=?0.005). In a multivariate analysis low hemoglobin (P?P?=?0.002) and posterior duodenal ulcers (P?=?0.001) were negative predictors. Using the mean value of hemoglobin as the cut‐off point, it is noteworthy that only 2 out of 81 patients (2.5%) who had none of these predictive factors required emergency surgical hemostasis, whereas 34 out of 110 patients (30.9%) with at least one predictive factor required emergency surgery. Conclusion: It is possible, by employing specific characteristics, to define a subgroup of high‐risk patients for rebleeding in patients with NBVV despite therapeutic endoscopy and thus candidates for a complementary endoscopic method of hemostasis or emergency surgical intervention.     

Incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cardiovascular disease: buffered aspirin versus enteric-coated aspirin

Abstract

Objective. Aspirin-induced enteropathy is increasing, but whether the type of aspirin affects the gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially small intestine, is unclear. The incidence of GI bleeding for buffered aspirin and enteric-coated aspirin was evaluated in patients receiving long-term low-dose aspirin (LDA) for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Methods. This retrospective cohort study assessed overt GI bleeding, decreased hemoglobin levels suspecting small bowel blood loss, and CV death in patients taking LDA for more than 1 year (LDA group) and in patients not taking LDA (control group). The LDA group was divided into two subgroups, patients taking either buffered aspirin (buffered subgroup) or enteric-coated aspirin (enteric subgroup), and their outcomes were compared. Results. A total of 1402 patients (LDA group 701, control group 701; median follow-up duration 1778 ± 747 days) were assessed. The incidences of overt GI bleeding and decreased hemoglobin were 3.9% and 1.4% in LDA group, respectively, significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.01; p < 0.01). In the LDA group, 3% died during the follow-up period. Ten (3.7%) in the buffered subgroup (n = 267) and 17 (3.9%) in the enteric subgroup (n = 434) developed GI bleeding (p = 0.92). One (0.3%) in the buffered subgroup and nine (2%) in the enteric subgroup developed decreased hemoglobin (p = 0.06, log-rank test). Conclusions. The type of aspirin does not affect the incidence of overt GI bleeding and decreased hemoglobin, but enteric-coated aspirin may be associated with an increased incidence of decreased hemoglobin.     

The investigation of iron deficiency anemia--a hospital based audit

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with an increased incidence of malignancy. Our aim was to audit the management of patients with IDA seen in a teaching hospital gastroenterology unit, and to assess the role of upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy as well as mesenteric angiography in improving the diagnostic yield. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review of all outpatient letters and in-patient discharge summaries in an 11 month period in 1996 was used to identify anemic patients. All endoscopic and radiological procedures were documented on these patients. RESULTS: 98 cases (46 male) of IDA were identified. Of these, 94% had upper GI endoscopy with a yield for potential bleeding sources of 54% (including 4 malignancies) and 84% had lower GI investigation by colonoscopy or barium enema with a diagnostic yield of 37% (including 3 malignancies and 10 adenomatous polyps). Combined endoscopic and barium examinations provided a positive diagnosis in 69%, and 12.2% had significant co-existent upper and lower GI pathology. Thirty-three patients underwent visceral angiography (27 of who had no positive endoscopic diagnosis). Twenty-seven studies revealed a bleeding source (yield 82%). Overall an underlying diagnosis was made in 92% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of significant dual pathology in patients with IDA was high. Investigation of the lower GI tract should be performed in all patients unless a malignancy is found on upper GI endoscopy. Mesenteric angiography has a high diagnostic yield, and is a useful investigation in patients with resistant or transfusion dependent anemia in whom endoscopic or barium studies are normal.     

High-dose fast infusion of parenteral iron isomaltoside is efficacious in inflammatory bowel disease patients with iron-deficiency anaemia without profound changes in phosphate or fibroblast growth factor 23

Objective: Iron isomaltoside (Monofer^®) is a high-dose intravenous iron preparation with good tolerability and efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This trial evaluates the safety and efficacy, including effect on intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) of a high single dose and cumulative doses of iron isomaltoside in IBD patients with IDA.

Materials and methods: The trial was a prospective, open-label, multi-centre trial conducted in IBD patients with IDA. Based upon haemoglobin (Hb) levels at baseline and weight, the patients received 1500, 2000, 2500 or 3000?mg of iron isomaltoside infused in single doses up to 2000?mg. The outcome measurements included adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and changes in haematology and biochemistry parameters.

Results: Twenty-one IBD patients with IDA were enrolled, receiving 1500 (seven patients), 2000 (eight patients), 2500?mg (four patients) or 3000 (two patients) mg of iron. No serious ADRs were observed. Four patients experienced nine mild to moderate ADRs (hypersensitivity, pyrexia, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia (two events) and eye allergy (two events)). In total, 15 (75%) patients had an increase in Hb of ≥2.0?g/dL during the trial, with normalisation of ferritin. No changes in iFGF23 or clinically significant hypophosphataemia were found.

Conclusion: Rapid infusions of high-dose iron isomaltoside, administered as single doses up to 2000?mg and cumulative doses up to 3000?mg, were without safety concerns and were efficacious in increasing Hb levels in IBD patients. Iron isomaltoside did not induce profound phosphate wasting via increased iFGF23 levels.     

Original research: The dedicated iron deficiency anaemia clinic: a 15-year experience

ObjectiveTo report our cumulative experience from a dedicated iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) clinic over the last 15 years—with particular emphasis on referral rate, uptake of investigation, impact on endoscopy services, diagnostic yield of gastrointestinal (GI) investigation and the issue of recurrent IDA.MethodA series of analyses of a register of 2808 referrals to the Poole IDA clinic between 2004 and 2018.ResultsThe study population of 2808 had a sex ratio of 1.9 (female/male ratio) and a median age of 72 years (IQR: 60–79). A rising referral rate over the study period appears to be plateauing at around 2 cases per 1000 population per annum. On the basis of a snapshot audit, investigation of IDA may now account for over 20% of all diagnostic endoscopies.Overall, 86% of cases underwent examination of the upper and lower GI tract. Significant GI pathology was identified in 27% of the investigated cohort. Adenocarcinoma of the upper or lower GI tract was found in 8.3%, the majority in the right colon. The prevalence of recurrent IDA was estimated at 12.4%, and the results of investigation of this subgroup are reported.ConclusionUnexplained IDA is common, particularly in those over 60 years, and may be the first indication of underlying GI malignancy in over 8% of cases. Unresolved challenges include accommodating the resulting endoscopy workload, establishing a risk/benefit ratio for investigating those with major comorbidities and the management of recurrent IDA.     

Low ascitic fluid total protein levels is not associated to the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a cohort of 274 patients with cirrhosis

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a complication to decompensated cirrhosis. Fluoroquinolones may prevent SBP. However, predictive markers for SBP are wanted. Guidelines suggest that patients with ascitic fluid protein below 15?g/l receive fluoroquinolones to prevent SBP. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of low ascitic fluid protein in predicting SBP in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Methods: A total of 274 patients with cirrhosis and ascites underwent paracentesis between January 2010 and June 2015. Patients were followed until two years, development of SBP, initiation of ciprofloxacin, death or liver transplantation. Data were compared between groups of patients with ‘high’ or ‘low’ ascitic protein.

Results: SBP developed in 31 patients (11.3%). No difference in mean ascitic fluid protein levels were found (SBP, mean: 8.5?g/l and no SBP 8.2?g/l, p?=?.825). SBP developed at equal rates in patients with ‘high’ or ‘low’ ascitic protein (10.8% (≤15?g/l) and 14.0% (>15?g/l), p?=?.599). The same trend was observed when adjusting the threshold below 10?g/l (11.9% (≤10?g/l) and 10.2% (>10?g/l), p?=?.697).

Conclusions: Low ascitic fluid protein does not predict SBP in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Better markers are needed.     

High serum transferrin receptor level in anemia of chronic disorders indicates coexistent iron deficiency

Blood transferrin receptor (TR) level is largely determined by the quantum of erythropoiesis and by intracellular iron content of the cells of the erythroid lineage. Hence, a high serum TR level has been found to be useful in distinguishing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disorders (ACD). In order to examine its potential role in the diagnosis of concomitant iron deficiency in ACD, we determined serum TR levels in 130 cases of ACD, in 25 cases of IDA, and in 40 normal adults. As expected, all patients of IDA had significantly higher serum TR levels compared to the normal subjects (4.2-19.2 microg/dL vs. 1.3-3.0 microg/dL) (P < 0.002). In 11/25 cases of IDA, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was in the normal range although bone marrow iron store was absent and serum TR levels were high, thereby highlighting the superiority of TR level in the diagnosis of iron deficiency compared to TIBC. Although 54% (70/130) patients of ACD had normal or low serum TR levels (0.9-3.0 microg/dL) as expected, in 46% (60/130) of ACD patients, serum TR levels were high (3.2-11.0 microg/dL). Mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the latter group of patients compared to the former, and these parameters resembled those in IDA patients. Also, serum iron was lower and TIBC was higher in this group of ACD patients compared to those with normal or low serum TR. All these features point to an "IDA-like" profile of ACD patients with high TR and support the possibility of co-existent iron deficiency in this subgroup of ACD patients. In light of these observations it would be prudent to treat ACD patients with high serum TR levels with iron replacement therapy.     

Introduction of new formulas and evaluation of the previous red blood cell indices and formulas in the differentiation between beta thalassemia trait and iron deficiency anemia in the Makkah region

Background: Many formulas from red blood cell (RCB) indices are instructed to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait. None had 100% Youden index.

Aim of the work: To introduce two new formulas and evaluate them in the differentiation between IDA and beta thalassemia trait in adults Saudi (male and female; male; female) in the Makkah region. Furthermore, to evaluate the previous formulas in our population.

Methods: A total of 249 participants, 91 with IDA, 123 with beta thalassemia trait, and 35 healthy persons. All subjected to complete blood count, measurement of iron profile, hemoglobin electrophoresis and hemoglobin A2 by column chromatography. The first new formula equal hemoglobin (Hb)?+?hematocrit (Hct)?+?RBC and second equals Hb?+?Hct?+?RBC-red cell distribution (RDW). The previous formula used is England and Fraser, Mentzer, Strivastava, Ehsani, Green and King, red cell distribution index, Ricerca, and Shine and Lal

Results: In both men and women, the England and Fraser was the best with a Youden's index of 70.4%, followed by Green and King 67.4%. In men, the England and Fraser and our new formula 1 had the highest Youden’ index 84.7% and 84.1%, respectively. In women, the England and Fraser and RDW index had the highest Youden’ index 74% and 69.2%, respectively.

Conclusion: The England and Fraser and our new formula 1 are the best formulas in men. The England and Fraser and RDW index are the best formulas in women.     

Platelet counts in adults with iron deficiency anemia

In adults with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), abnormal platelet counts were seen in several studies. However we retrospectively examined the clinical records of a larger number of adults with IDA to assess abnormal platelet counts. From November 2006 to April 2008, 615 consecutive adults (73 men and 542 women; age range, 16–88 years) with IDA were included in this study. The mean initial hemoglobin was 9.0 ± 1.8 g/dL (range 2.7–12.8 g/dL), and the mean initial platelet count was 304 × 10³/µL ± 92.3 (range, 105–700 × 10³/µL). The initial platelet counts were normal in 520 (84.6%) adults with IDA. Thrombocytosis (>400 × 10³/µL) and thrombocytopenia (<150 × 10³/µL) were detected in 82 (13.3%) and 13 (2.1%) adults with IDA, respectively. In conclusion, thrombocytosis was seen at lower rates in our study. Furthermore, this study shows that mild thrombocytopenia is not so rare in adults with IDA.