P0968 Comparison of two oral iron formulations for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in inflamatory bowel disease: a multicentric prospective study

Abstract Background The use of oral iron in iron deficiency (ID) and ID anemia in IBD is controversial. Its lower costs and ease of application have to be weighed against the fear of side effects and questions about its efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Sucrosomial® iron in correcting ID and ID anemia in IBD. As a secondary objective we aimed to assess the efficacy and impact of oral iron in correcting ID, ID anemia and disability in IBD. Methods This was a prospective and bicentric study. IBD patients diagnosed with ID or ID anemia between november 2022 and november 2023 treated with oral iron were included. Half of the physicians were instructed to prescribe ferric hydroxide-polymaltose complex - Ferrum Hausmann®(FH) - and the others Sucrosomial® iron – Fisiogen Ferro Forte®(FF). The primary endpoint was change in haemoglobin levels and correction of iron studies at 12 weeks after starting therapy, and secondary endpoints were assessing tolerability and disability (IBD-Disk). Results Fifty-six patients were included in the study (FH group – 33; FF group – 23). A total of 46 had ID and 10 had ID anemia. Thirteen patients had side effects - FF 13,0% vs FH 30,3% (p=0,132) - leading to iron discontinuation in 6. There was no difference in terms of efficacy between the two iron formulations. After 12 weeks, serum iron (p=0,017) and transferrin saturation index (p<0,001) improved. There was no change in ferritin levels (p=0,804) but there was an improvement in Hb levels (p=0,041) in patients with anemia. IBD-disk scores improved (p=0,004) after treatment and this improvement correlated with increasing serum iron (rs=-0,43; p=0,010) and Hb (rs=-0,50; p=0,002) levels. Conclusion Both iron formulations had similar efficacy. There was a trend to fewer side effects in the FF group but this was non-significant. Oral iron replacement improved Hb levels, iron studies and disability after 12 weeks of treatment.