OBJECTIVE: Iron deficiency and anemia are being increasingly recognized as a 
complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to 
observe, in a non-interventional way, how Swedish gastroenterologists adhere to 
guidelines in IBD outpatients treated with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose 
(FCM), and the result of treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Altogether 394 IBD patients (Crohn's disease (CD) 60%, 
ulcerative colitis (UC) 40%) from 14 centers were included. Group A (n = 216) 
was observed from November 2008 and group B (n = 178) from March 2010. Time of 
observation ranged from 12 to 29 months.
RESULTS: S-Ferritin (µmol/l) and transferrin saturation (T-Sat; %) were recorded 
at baseline in 62% and 50% in group A. Median values for Hb, ferritin and T-Sat 
at baseline were 111 g/l, 10 µmol/l and10%, respectively, and 134 g/l, 121 
µmol/l and 20% after iron treatment (p < 0.001 for all three parameters). 
Similar results were found in group B. Approximately three-quarters of all 
patients had only one iron infusion during the study period. Median time to 
reinfusion was 6 (1-25) months. Only previously described infusion reactions 
occurred in 27 (7%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to European guidelines was rather poor and needs to be 
improved. The effect on iron parameters of intravenous FCM was significant, and 
resulted in a ferritin level that indicates an effect on the iron stores. The 
effect was mostly sustained for a year since only one-quarter of the patients 
were given repeated iron infusions. No unforeseen safety concerns emerged during 
the observation period.