Predictors of serious findings on bi-directional endoscopy in young patients with anemia and GI symptoms

Abstract

Background and Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has been cited as the most common cause of anemia globally. Gastrointestinal (GI) lesions are amongst the common cause of IDA. Endoscopic evaluation is the most effective way to investigate the IDA. The aim of this study was to show the association of alarming GI symptoms with abnormal endoscopic findings and to cut off the burden and cost of unnecessary endoscopies.

Methods: This is cross sectional study of anemic patient who underwent upper and lower GI endoscopies in Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between July-December 2016.

Results: Total 243 patients were identified after excluding ineligible patients. The mean age of subjects was 31.9