Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Author
Term
5. Term (Master thesis)
Education
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-01-02
Pages
34
Abstract
Abstract: Background & aims: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iron deficiency (ID) are among the most common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents. However, reported prevalence estimates vary widely, and the relationship between anemia, disease activity, and patient-centered outcomes is still not fully defined. We aimed to systematically review the literature and provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of IDA and ID and its association with disease activity, quality of life, and growth and development. Methods: Literature was searched systematically on the 15th of October 2025 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify studies reporting prevalence data or association outcomes. Screening was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction and assessed the risk of bias using the NewcastleOttawa scale. Results: Fourty-two of the 1,067 identified records met the inclusion criteria. Anemia prevalences ranged from 20-80% depending on diagnostic thresholds, population variations, and sample sizes. ID was especially prevalent in anemic patients, often exceeding 70%, and IDA accounted for a substantial proportion of cases. IDA and ID were generally more prominent in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) than Ulcerative colitis (UC) and were consistently associated with increased disease activity, while remission was associated with lower prevalence. Limited evidence also suggested a negative impact on quality of life and growth impairment in pediatric patients. Conclusion: IDA and ID are highly prevalent among pediatric patients, and studies report significant associations with inflammation and disease activity. Evidence also suggests a negative impact on quality of life and growth and development; however, this remains insufficiently studied. Standardized diagnostic criteria and prospective studies assessing clinical outcomes are needed to clarify the long-term consequences of anemia.
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