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The fecal occult blood test is used to investigate signs of internal bleeding. During iron deficiency anemia, the body produces fewer red blood cells and these are smaller than normal red blood cells. Other parameters measured when taking a complete blood count include the number and size of red blood cells. In Crohn’s disease, anemia can cause a hematocrit level to drop well below this range. The normal range of hematocrit is 32 – 43%.
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Therefore, measuring the hematocrit level is another way of determining iron levels. The hematocrit is the portion of the blood made up of red blood cells. Therefore, a low hemoglobin level indicates iron deficiency anemia.įor males, the normal range of hemoglobin level is 14 – 18 g/dl and 12 – 16 g/dl for females. Most of the iron stored in the blood is found in the hemoglobin of the red blood cell. Complete blood count to measure hemoglobin level and hematocritĭiagnosing Anemia in Crohn’s Disease Hemoglobin level.Diagnostic Tests for Anemia in Crohn’s Disease When hemoglobin level falls in the body, it causes anemia and iron deficiency.Īlthough blood stool is indicative of anemia in Crohn’s disease patients and usually reason enough to begin iron supplementation, doctors still need to order some tests to diagnose anemia. It is rich in iron and its functions are dependent on this mineral. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying portion of red blood cells.
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However, in severe cases, the bleeding is serious and ongoing and, therefore, appears in the stool.Ĭontinuous blood loss from gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with active Crohn’s disease can significantly lower the level of hemoglobin in the systemic circulation. When the blood released from the ulcerating mucosal does not get into the stool, a condition known as occult bleeding is diagnosed. When the inflamed mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract develop into deep ulcers, the internal bleeding that results may appear in the stool or not. Crohn’s Disease, Iron Deficiency, and Anemia These drugs can cause bleeding ulcers in the gut. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is also the reason analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not prescribed for Crohn’s disease patients. This bleeding is evidenced by the bloody stool passed by some patients. The damage to the mucosal surface often leads to intestinal and stomach bleeding. In addition, prolonged gastrointestinal bleeding can cause iron deficiency in patients with active Crohn’s disease. For example, diarrhea, a common symptom in patients with the disease, can lead to magnesium deficiency. For example, damage to the ileum may lead to folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies.īesides damage to the gastrointestinal tract, other presentations of Crohn’s disease may also cause nutritional deficiencies. The damage done to the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract can severely affect the absorption of nutrients.
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However, most patients with Crohn’s disease have inflamed lesions in the colon and the small intestine (especially in the ileum). The disease can cause inflammation and lesions in any part of the alimentary canal. Nutritional Imbalance in Crohn’s DiseaseĬrohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by impaired innate immunity. This article discusses the complications of iron deficiency anemia, its prevalence and diagnosis and also the treatment options available for patients with Crohn’s disease. However, intestinal bleeding and malabsorption of nutrients can quickly lead to iron deficiency in Crohn’s disease. Iron is an important component of the blood where it is found in the hemoglobin and supports the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.