Endoscopic and Colonoscopy Investigation in Anemia: Yield of these Procedures in Identifying a Gastrointestinal Cause

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a common laboratory finding among patients and many inpatients are worked up during their hospital stay with either endoscopy and/or colonoscopy. An evidence-based approach is warranted to determine this course of action is likely to affect treatments and outcomes especially in the inpatient population in other types of anemia as well. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, charts were obtained for inpatients that underwent either endoscopy and/or colonoscopy with anemia during the period of over 5 years at a community hospital. These patient records were reviewed, and data was collected into a standardized collection tool for statistical analysis. Bonferroni method was used to correct for multiple testing parameters. Results: Out of 173 total patients, endoscopic/colonoscopy findings were positive in 6/5 with untyped anemia, 34/20 with anemia of chronic disease (ACD), 49/29 with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and 34/26 with anemia due to other causes (ADOC) respectively. Positive findings in either endoscopy and/or colonoscopy 75.47%, 91.38%, 72.73%, and 100% with a p value of .026. Conclusion: In cases of anemia without signs of active gastrointestinal bleeding, inpatient examination by either endoscopy and/or colonoscopy found a probable cause in most patients irrespective of the type of anemia.