Vernero M^1,2, Boano V³, Ribaldone DG⁴, Pellicano R⁵, Astegiano M⁵. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2019 Sep;65(3):200-203. doi: 10.23736/S1121-421X.19.02572-8. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Author information

1 Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy - martavernero@gmail.com.

2 First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy - martavernero@gmail.com.

3 Unit of Gastroenterology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

4 Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

5 Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a relapsing chronic disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Among IBDpatients, anemia is more frequent than in general population. Recent studies demonstrated a good iron absorption using Feralgine®, a compound of ferrous bysglicinate chelate and alginic acid, oral supplementation with both good compliance rate and efficacy in treating iron deficiency anemia especially due to its high oral bioavailability. In this study we evaluated hemoglobin (Hb) improvement after Feralgine® supplementation in patients with IBD and anemia.

METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. All data were derived from the patients' registry of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, San Giovanni Antica Sede-Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy. All IBD patients suffering from anemia and treated with Feralgine® (Tecnofer Plus), 1 capsule daily, were selected.

RESULTS: Mean Hb value increased from 11 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.72-11.47) to 12.2 g/dL (95% CI: 11.6-12.52, P=0.0001), after three months of Feralgine® supplementation. While 90% of the patients did not report adverse events, 10% experienced dyspepsia and worsening of diarrhea. Only 6% of patients suspended oral iron supplementation due to GI intolerance (adherence rate 94%).

CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with Feralgine® induced a significant improvement in Hb levels, suggesting that in IBDpatients with mild or moderate anemia, oral iron supplementation could be considered the first line therapy. We suggest further studies on larger cohorts to assess iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation improvement after this treatment.