Role of proton pump inhibitors dosage and duration in Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment: Results from the European Registry on H. pylori management.

BACKGROUND: Management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection requires co-treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the use of antibiotics to achieve successful eradication. AIM: To evaluate the role of dosage of PPIs and the duration of therapy in the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication treatments based on the 'European Registry on Helicobacter pylori management' (Hp-EuReg). METHODS: Hp-EuReg is a multicentre, prospective, non-interventionist, international registry on the routine clinical practice of H. pylori management by European gastroenterologists. All infected adult patients were systematically registered from 2013 to 2022. RESULTS: Overall, 36,579 patients from five countries with more than 1000 patients were analysed. Optimal (≥90%) first-line-modified intention-to-treat effectiveness was achieved with the following treatments: (1) 14-day therapies with clarithromycin-amoxicillin-bismuth and metronidazole-tetracycline-bismuth, both independently of the PPI dose prescribed; (2) All 10-day (except 10-day standard triple therapy) and 14-day therapies with high-dose PPIs; and (3) 10-day quadruple therapies with clarithromycin-amoxicillin-bismuth, metronidazole-tetracycline-bismuth, and clarithromycin-amoxicillin-metronidazole (sequential), all with standard-dose PPIs. In first-line treatment, optimal effectiveness was obtained with high-dose PPIs in all 14-day treatments, in 10- and 14-day bismuth quadruple therapies and in 10-day sequential with standard-dose PPIs. Optimal second-line effectiveness was achieved with (1) metronidazole-tetracycline-bismuth quadruple therapy for 14- and 10 days with standard and high-dose PPIs, respectively; and (2) levofloxacin-amoxicillin triple therapy for 14 days with high-dose PPIs. None of the 7-day therapies in both treatment lines achieved optimal effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend, in first-line treatment, the use of high-dose PPIs in 14-day triple therapy and in 10-or 14-day quadruple concomitant therapy in first-line treatment, while standard-dose PPIs would be sufficient in 10-day bismuth quadruple therapies. On the other hand, in second-line treatment, high-dose PPIs would be more beneficial in 14-day triple therapy with levofloxacin and amoxicillin or in 10-day bismuth quadruple therapy either as a three-in-one single capsule or in the traditional scheme.

The cost of inflammatory bowel disease in high-income settings: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission.

The cost of caring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide. The cause is not only a steady increase in the prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in both developed and newly industrialised countries, but also the chronic nature of the diseases, the need for long-term, often expensive treatments, the use of more intensive disease monitoring strategies, and the effect of the diseases on economic productivity. This Commission draws together a wide range of expertise to discuss the current costs of IBD care, the drivers of increasing costs, and how to deliver affordable care for IBD in the future. The key conclusions are that (1) increases in health-care costs must be evaluated against improved disease management and reductions in indirect costs, and (2) that overarching systems for data interoperability, registries, and big data approaches must be established for continuous assessment of effectiveness, costs, and the cost-effectiveness of care. International collaborations should be sought out to evaluate novel models of care (eg, value-based health care, including integrated health care, and participatory health-care models), as well as to improve the education and training of clinicians, patients, and policy makers.

Indications and hemoglobin thresholds for red blood cell transfusion and iron replacement in adults with gastrointestinal bleeding: An algorithm proposed by gastroenterologists and patient blood management experts.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has long been the cornerstone of treatment for anemia due to GI bleeding. However, blood is not devoid of potential adverse effects, and it is also a precious resource, with limited supplies in blood banks. Nowadays, all patients should benefit from a patient blood management (PBM) program that aims to minimize blood loss, optimize hematopoiesis (mainly by using iron replacement therapy), maximize tolerance of anemia, and avoid unnecessary transfusions. Integration of PBM into healthcare management reduces patient mortality and morbidity and supports a restrictive RBC transfusion approach by reducing transfusion rates. The European Commission has outlined strategies to support hospitals with the implementation of PBM, but it is vital that these initiatives are translated into clinical practice. To help optimize management of anemia and iron deficiency in adults with acute or chronic GI bleeding, we developed a protocol under the auspices of the Spanish Association of Gastroenterology, in collaboration with healthcare professionals from 16 hospitals across Spain, including expert advice from different specialties involved in PBM strategies, such as internal medicine physicians, intensive care specialists, and hematologists. Recommendations include how to identify patients who have anemia (or iron deficiency) requiring oral/intravenous iron replacement therapy and/or RBC transfusion (using a restrictive approach to transfusion), and transfusing RBC units 1 unit at a time, with assessment of patients after each given unit (i.e., "don't give two without review"). The advantages and limitations of oral versus intravenous iron and guidance on the safe and effective use of intravenous iron are also described. Implementation of a PBM strategy and clinical decision-making support, including early treatment of anemia with iron supplementation in patients with GI bleeding, may improve patient outcomes and lower hospital costs.

Inflammatory bowel disease integral care units: Evaluation of a nationwide quality certification programme. The GETECCU experience.

BACKGROUND: One of the most valued targets in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is for physicians to provide and patients to receive a high-level quality of care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a nationwide quality certification programme for IBD units. METHODS: Identification of quality indicators (QI) for IBD Unit certification was based on Delphi methodology that selected 53 QI, which were subjected to a normalisation process. Selected QI were then used in the certification process. Coordinated by GETECCU, this process began with a consulting round and an audit drill followed by a formal audit carried out by an independent certifying agency. This audit involved the scrutiny of the selected QI in medical records. If 80%-90% compliance was achieved, the IBD unit audited received the qualification of "advanced", and if it exceeded 90% the rating was "excellence". Afterwards, an anonymous survey was conducted among certified units to assess satisfaction with the programme for IBD units. RESULTS: As of January 2021, 66 IBD units adhere to the nationwide certification programme. Among the 53 units already audited by January 2021, 31 achieved the certification of excellence, 20 the advanced certification, and two did not obtain the certification. The main survey results indicated high satisfaction with an average score of 8.5 out of 10. CONCLUSION: Certification of inflammatory bowel disease units by GETECCU is the largest nationwide certification programme for IBD units reported. More than 90% of IBD units adhered to the programme achieved the certification.

Recommendations of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) on pouchitis in ulcerative colitis. Part 2: Treatment. / Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) sobre la reservoritis en la colitis ulcerosa. Parte 2: Tratamiento.

Pouchitis treatment is a complex entity that requires a close medical and surgical relationship. The elective treatment for acute pouchitis is antibiotics. After a first episode of pouchitis it is recommended prophylaxis therapy with a probiotic mix, nevertheless it is not clear the use of this formulation for preventing a first episode of pouchitis after surgery. First-line treatment for chronic pouchitis is an antibiotic combination. The next step in treatment should be oral budesonide. Selected cases of severe, chronic refractory pouchitis may benefit from biologic agents, and anti-TNF α should be recommended as the first option, leaving the new biologicals for multi-refractory patients. Permanent ileostomy may be an option in severe refractory cases to medical treatment.

Quality of Care Standards in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: a European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] Position Paper.

The management of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is complex, and requires tight control of disease activity, close monitoring to avoid treatment side effects, health care professionals with expertise in IBD, and an interdisciplinary, holistic approach. Despite various efforts to standardise structures, processes, and outcomes,1-8 and due to the high variability at the local, national, and international levels, there are still no clear definitions or outcome measures available to establish quality of care standards for IBD patients which are applicable in all contexts and all countries. For this reason, the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] supported the construction of a list of criteria summarising current standards of care in IBD. The list comprises 111 quality standard points grouped into three main domains [structure n = 31, process n = 42, outcomes n = 38] and is based on scientific evidence, interdisciplinary expert consensus, and patient-oriented perspectives. The list of proposed criteria is intended to represent the position of ECCO regarding the optimum quality of care that should be available to patients. Since health care systems and regulations vary considerably between countries, this list may require adaptation at local and national levels. It is recognised that not all these criteria that have been identified as optimal will be available in every unit. However, ECCO will continue its efforts to develop and coordinate projects and initiatives that will help to guarantee optimal quality of care for all IBD patients.

Recommendations of the Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Spanish Working Group (GETECCU) for the treatment of perianal fistulas of Crohn's disease. / Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo de Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU) para el tratamiento de las fístulas perianales de la enfermedad de Crohn.

Recommendations are advice that is given and considered to be beneficial; however, they are still suggestions and are therefore open to different interpretations. In this sense, the final objective of the review has been to try to homogenize, with the evidence available, the approach to the diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment of one of the most complex manifestations of Crohn's disease, such as simple and complex perianal fistulas.

Launch and preliminary analysis of Hospital de La Princesa's inter-specialists biological therapies unit.

We herein describe an inter-specialists unit for the monitoring and management of biological therapies and analyze the utilization of biological agents across specialties and diseases. Protocols and therapeutic objectives, as well as outcomes and protocol deviations, are shared and discussed periodically between specialists. All patients treated at one centre with any biological treatment from January 2000 by rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, or neurology, regardless diagnosis, are identified by Clinical Pharmacy and included in an ongoing database that detects use and outcome. The drugs, survival, and reasons for discontinuation differ significantly across specialties. This approach has helped us recognizing the challenges and size of the problem of sharing expensive medications across specialties, and has served as a starting point to contribute to the better use of these compounds.

Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici for Helicobacter pylori therapy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a probiotic supplementation for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy. DESIGN: Consecutive adult naive patients with a diagnosis of H. pylori infection who were prescribed eradication therapy according to clinical practice (10-day triple or nonbismuth quadruple concomitant therapy) randomly received probiotics (1 × 109 colony-forming units each strain, Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici) or matching placebo. Side effects at the end of the treatment, measured through a modified De Boer Scale, were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were compliance with therapy and eradication rates. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients (33% triple therapy, 66% non-bismuth quadruple therapy) were included [placebo (n = 106) or probiotic (n = 103)]. No differences were observed regarding side effects at the end of the treatment between groups (ß -0.023, P 0.738). Female gender (P < 0.001) and quadruple therapy (P 0.007) were independent predictors of side effects. No differences in compliance were observed, regardless of the study group or eradication therapy. Eradication rates were similar between groups [placebo 95% (95% confidence interval (CI), 89% to 98%) vs probiotic 97% (95% CI, 92% to 99%), P 0.721]. There were no relevant differences in cure rates (>90% in all cases) between triple and quadruple concomitant therapy. CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation containing Lactobacillus Plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici to H. pylori treatment neither decreased side effects nor improved compliance with therapy or eradication rates.

Fourteen-day high-dose esomeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole as third-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of currently recommended third-line therapies for Helicobacter pylori is suboptimal, even that of culture-guided treatments. Resistance to multiple antibiotics is the major factor related to treatment failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a 14-day therapy using high-dose of amoxicillin, metronidazole and esomeprazole. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter open-label study as a register in routine clinical practice in patients with two previous failures of eradication therapy. A triple therapy with esomeprazole 40 mg b.d., amoxicillin 1 g t.d.s and metronidazole 500 mg t.d.s for 2 weeks was administered as a third-line therapy after a first treatment including clarithromycin and a second treatment including a quinolone. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by either histology or 13 C-UBT both before and after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included in this study. An interim analysis showed that only three out of eight patients who had received metronidazole in previous eradication regimens were cured (37%, 95% CI 8-75); as a result, after this interim analysis only metronidazole-naïve patients were included. The ITT eradication rate in metronidazole-naive patients was 64% (95% CI 51-76). Adverse events occurred in 58% of patients, all of them mild-to-moderate. Two patients (3%) did not complete >90% of the treatment because of side effects. No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Cure rates of this 14-day schedule using high-dose esomeprazole, amoxicillin and metronidazole as a third-line eradication regimen were suboptimal, especially in patients who had received metronidazole in previous failed eradication regimens.

Efficacy and Safety of Quinolone-Containing Rescue Therapies After the Failure of Non-Bismuth Quadruple Treatments for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anti-Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment fails in a significant percentage of cases. Although this percentage has been reduced to 5-15% with the use of non-bismuth quadruple therapies, limited data exist regarding rescue after failure of these treatments. AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of quinolone-containing therapies after the failure of non-bismuth quadruple regimens. METHODS: Studies evaluating the efficacy of second-line quinolone-containing therapies after the failure of non-bismuth sequential or concomitant regimens were selected. Efficacy (by intention to treat) was analyzed using the inverse variance method; safety data were recorded as the occurrence of any adverse event. The risk of bias of each primary study was evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. The quality of the evidence was summarized using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included. The 10-day levofloxacin/amoxicillin/proton pump inhibitor (PPI) triple therapy (LT) achieved eradication rates of 80% (95% CI 71-88). Regarding the moxifloxacin/amoxicillin/PPI triple therapy (MT), its efficacy was higher when administered for 14 days instead of 7 days (80 vs 63%). Two studies investigated the levofloxacin/bismuth-containing quadruple therapies (LBQ) obtaining eradication rates over 90%. Safety was similar in all treatments. The sensitivity analyses showed that results for LT were robust, but MT had weak evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Quinolone-containing triple therapies reported eradication rates ≤80%, but LBQ therapies showed encouraging rates. However, the strength of the evidence was very low. The efficacy of LBQ should be corroborated in more studies, and the usefulness of quinolones needs to be evaluated in areas with moderate to high bacterial resistances.

Nuevas moléculas en el tratamiento de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / New molecules in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) es un trastorno de etiología desconocida consistente en una inflamación crónica del tubo digestivo. Los fármacos dirigidos contra el factor de necrosis tumoral han representado un hito en el tratamiento de los pacientes con EII en los últimos años contando además con un buen perfil de seguridad. No obstante, estos tratamientos no son eficaces en todos los pacientes y, en aquellos que responden inicialmente, se ha descrito una pérdida de respuesta a lo largo del tiempo. Por estos motivos, es necesario el desarrollo de nuevos tratamientos para la EII, dirigidos hacia diferentes dianas terapéuticas En los últimos tiempos se han incorporado nuevas moléculas al arsenal terapéutico de los pacientes con EII. El golimumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal que se dirige contra el factor de necrosis tumoral y que ha demostrado ser eficaz en el tratamiento de la colitis ulcerosa. Asimismo, ha sido aprobado en Europa el uso de CT-P13 (infliximab biosimilar) para las mismas indicaciones que el infliximab original. Más recientemente, vedolizumab, un anticuerpo monoclonal dirigido frente a las integrinas α4β7 ha sido aprobado para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Crohn y la colitis ulcerosa. En la actualidad se están desarrollando un gran número de moléculas, algunas de las cuales vendrán, en un futuro, a ampliar las opciones terapéuticas en los pacientes con EII. Finalmente, en los próximos años los estudios deberán ir dirigidos a identificar factores predictores de respuesta a los distintos fármacos biológicos para la EII con el fin de seleccionar, de forma más personalizada, la mejor alternativa terapéutica para cada paciente

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disorder of unknown aetiology that provokes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs have represented a major advance in the treatment of IBD patients in the last few years and also have a good safety profile. Nevertheless, these treatments are not effective in all patients and, in initial responders, there can be a loss of response in the long-term. Consequently, new treatments are needed for IBD, aimed at distinct therapeutic targets. In the last few years, new molecules have been incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium of IBD patients. Golimumab is an anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody with demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The use of CT-P13 (biosimilar infliximab) has been approved in Europe for the same indications as the original infliximab. More recently, vedolizumab, an anti-α4β7 integrin monoclonal antibody, has been approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A large number of molecules are currently under development, some of which will, in the future, broaden the therapeutic options available in the treatment of IBD patients. Finally, in the next few years, studies should aim to identify factors predictive of response to the distinct biological agents for IBD in order to allow personalized selection of the best therapeutic alternative for each patient

High-dose intravenous treatment in iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease: early efficacy and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia and iron deficiency are very common in inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical trials have shown intravenous iron to be effective and well tolerated. However, published experience in clinical practice with specific evaluation of the effect on quality of life is limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective, multicentre, observational study on the effects of ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease. Anaemia and iron deficiency were defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Efficacy and safety were evaluated at infusion, at 2 weeks and at 12 weeks. Quality of life was evaluated according to the SIBDQ-9 index. Complete response was defined as anaemia correction or more tan 2 g/dL increase in haemoglobin. RESULTS: A total of 88 courses of ferric carboxymaltose in 72 patients were evaluated. Complete response was observed in 46% of patients at week 2, and 81.2% at week 12. Quality of life improved significatively at week 2 in both complete responders and partial responders (p<0.0005); complete responders showed siginficantly better response (p=0.016). No predictive factor was identified. Only one transient adverse effect was observed; however, this was severe. DISCUSSION: Ferric carboxymaltose showed comparable efficacy to that demonstrated in clinical trials. After only two weeks of treatment, there was a significant improvement in quality of life, with a greater effect observed in those patients with a complete haematologic response. Intravenous iron can very quickly improve quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: susceptibility-guided versus empirical antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: The cure rate of standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection is unacceptably low. Susceptibility-guided therapies (SGTs) have been proposed as an alternative to standard empirical treatments. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of SGTs. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in multiple databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing cure rates of SGTs versus those of empirical therapy were selected and analysed separately for first- and second-line treatments. A meta-analysis was performed using risk ratio (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT) to measure the effect. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. In first-line treatment, SGT was more efficacious than empirical 7-10 day triple therapy (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.23, I (2) = 33%; NNT = 8). Most studies used a 7-10 day triple therapy and randomized the patients after endoscopy and/or culture, thus precluding the comparison of SGT versus non-invasive testing and empirical treatment in clinical practice. For second-line therapy, only four studies were found. Results were highly heterogeneous and no significant differences were found (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.82-1.51, I (2) = 87%). CONCLUSIONS: Once endoscopy and culture have been performed, SGT is superior to empirical 7 or 10 day triple therapy for first-line treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of SGT in clinical practice, especially when compared with currently recommended first-line quadruple therapies.

Two-week, high-dose proton pump inhibitor, moxifloxacin triple Helicobacter pylori therapy after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments.

BACKGROUND: Aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a moxifloxacin-containing second-line triple regimen in patients whose previous Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment failed. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study including patients in whom a triple therapy or a non-bismuth-quadruple-therapy failed. Moxifloxacin (400mg qd), amoxicillin (1g bid), and esomeprazole (40 mg bid) were prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13)C-urea-breath-test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. RESULTS: 250 patients were consecutively included (mean age 48 ± 15 years, 11% with ulcer). Previous (failed) therapy included: standard triple (n = 179), sequential (n = 27), and concomitant (n = 44); 97% of patients took all medications, 4 were lost to follow-up. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 82.4% (95% CI, 77-87%) and 85.7% (95% CI, 81-90%). Cure rates were similar independently of diagnosis (ulcer, 77%; dyspepsia, 82%) and previous treatment (standard triple, 83%; sequential, 89%; concomitant, 77%). At multivariate analysis, only age was associated with eradication (OR = 0.957; 95% CI, 0.933-0.981). Adverse events were reported in 25.2% of patients: diarrhoea (9.6%), abdominal pain (9.6%), and nausea (9.2%). CONCLUSION: 14-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy is an effective and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple therapy or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapy has failed, providing a simple alternative to bismuth quadruple regimen.

Optimizing clarithromycin-containing therapy for Helicobacter pylori in the era of antibiotic resistance.

The efficacy of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection has dramatically declined over the last decade, largely related to increasing clarithromycin resistance rates. From a microbiological standpoint, bismuth quadruple therapy is the ideal replacement since it combines drugs for which resistance does not impair its efficacy. Nonetheless, several obstacles such as availability, complexity or tolerance prevent a general implementation of bismuth quadruple therapy, so non-bismuth quadruple regimens remain the best first-line treatment in clinical practice in many geographical areas. We review the rationale and efficacy of several optimization tools (increasing the length of duration, high-dose acid suppression, probiotics), which have been largely evaluated over the last 5 years to increase the effectiveness of standard triple therapy. Then, we update available evidence on the effectiveness of several non-bismuth quadruple therapies (sequential, concomitant, hybrid, miscellaneous therapy), which have gained interest lately. We also revise evidence on the efficacy of the aforementioned optimization tools for non-bismuth quadruples schemes and, finally we provide a novel regionalized therapeutic algorithm, based on novel formulas recently developed for predicting the outcome of non-bismuth quadruple regimens, upon local antibiotic resistance rates.

Current management of iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel diseases: a practical guide.

Anemia and iron deficiency anemia are very common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In most cases, anemia is a consequence of mixed pathogenesis; inflammation and iron deficiency being the most important factors. Iron status should be evaluated carefully, as ferritin is unreliable in the presence of inflammation. It is always necessary to control disease activity; however, supplementation is usually required to fully correct iron deficiencies. Oral iron, intravenous iron, erythropoietin, and blood transfusions can be used in different clinical scenarios. Oral iron may be used in mild cases if the disease has no clinical activity. Intravenous iron should be preferred where oral iron is poorly tolerated or where it has failed in moderate to severe anemia, and in combination with erythropoietin. Iron sucrose is very safe and effective, but not very convenient, as the total needed dose must be divided into several infusions. Ferric carboxymaltose is much more convenient, and has been shown to be more effective than iron sucrose in a large randomized trial. Iron isomaltose shows theoretical promise, but very limited data are available from IBD populations. Blood transfusion can be necessary, especially in acute life-threatening situations, but the trigger for indication should be in the low range. With the correct use of available resources, anemia and iron deficiency should be well controlled in practically all IBD patients.