Correlation of iron and colon adenomas

Abstract

Background and objective: Better colon cancer screening guidelines are needed. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between serum transferrin saturation (as iron is a potential carcinogen) and presence of colon adenomas. This may aid to evolve better colon cancer screening guidelines.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of computer records. Patients who had colonoscopy and iron studies done between May 1996 and December 2003 were included in the study. The adjusted odds ratio, derived from multiple logistic regression analysis, was used to measure the association between transferrin saturation and colon adenomas.

Results: Complete data were available for 124 subjects. The adjusted odds ratio, for predicting the presence of polyp in those patients with transferrin saturation above the median was 10.9 (CI 4.0-29.5, P<0.001). A one percent increase in transferrin saturation was associated with a 1.07 increase the odds of adenoma (CI 1.03-1.11, P<0.001).

Conclusions: Iron levels are directly linked to presence of colon polyps, and might help in evolving better screening guidelines.