Anaemia from a patient perspective in inflammatory bowel disease: results from the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Association's online survey

Abstract

Objective: Anaemia is frequently seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and needs appropriate treatment. This online questionnaire investigated the patients' perceptions of anaemia: symptoms, prevalence, treatment and impact on quality of life.

Methods: Patients participated in this survey in 2012. Respondents were mainly from Europe, but also from North America and Asia Pacific.

Results: A total of 631 patients completed the questionnaire; most had Crohn's disease, and 41.2% were in remission, 29.8% had mildly active flares, 16.8% had moderately active flares, and 5.4% had severely active flares. When asked about anaemia, 67% believed that anaemia occurred frequently in IBD and was associated with blood loss (45%), iron deficiency (31%), or inflammation (18%). Symptoms commonly reported by patients with anaemia were fatigue and weakness. Fatigue associated with anaemia occurred daily in 53% of patients and negatively impacted the quality of life.A number of patients had not discussed anaemia with a healthcare professional, and 33% of patients with anaemia had not received treatment. Of those treated, 42% took oral prescription iron, 27% intravenous iron, 19% nonprescription iron supplements and 10% prescription liquid or syrup iron. The majority of patients taking liquid or syrup iron (77%), oral iron (74%) and iron supplements (68%) were dissatisfied with their treatment, primarily because of poor tolerability. In contrast, 72% were satisfied with intravenous iron treatment.

Conclusion: IBD patients are mostly aware of the main signs and symptoms of anaemia. Oral iron is most commonly prescribed, but may cause dissatisfaction because of tolerability issues. Most patients prescribed intravenous iron are satisfied with treatment.