Diagnosis of chronic anaemia in gastrointestinal disorders: A guideline by the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AIGO) and the Italian Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP).

Abstract

Anaemia is a common pathologic condition, present in almost 5% of the adult population. Iron deficiency isthe most common cause; other mechanisms can be involved, making anaemia a multi-factorial disorder inmost cases. Anaemia being a frequent manifestation in the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, patientsare often referred to gastroenterologists. Furthermore, upper and lower endoscopy and enteroscopy arepivotal to the diagnostic roadmap of anaemia. In spite of its relevance in the daily clinical practice, thereis a limited number of gastroenterological guidelines dedicated to the diagnosis of anaemia. For thisreason, the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists and the Italian Societyof Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition commissioned a panel of experts to prepare aspecific guideline on anaemia and its diagnostic roadmap in the gastroenterological scenario. The panelalso discussed about the potential involvement of gastroenterologists and endoscopists in the manage-ment of patients with anaemia, with particular attention to the correct use of investigations. The panel paid particular attention to practical issues with the aim to support gastroenterologists in their clinicalpractice when dealing with patients with anaemia.