Management of Iron-Deficiency Anemia on Inpatients and Appropriate Discharge and Follow-Up

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to identify appropriate supplementation of iron for inpatients and to identify factors involved in appropriate discharge documentation and follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 103 patients at a community hospital in New York City. RESULTS: A total of 57 (57/103, 55.3%) patients were admitted due to symptomatic anemia. Twenty (20/103, 19.4%) of those with iron-deficiency anemia had either esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy. Gastroenterologist or hematologist was consulted for 45/103 (43.7%). Inpatient iron supplementation was given for 62/103 (60.2%) of patients; and 43/103 (41.7%) had blood transfusion. Upon discharge, 50/103 (48.5%) had appropriate documentation of iron-deficiency anemia on discharge paperwork. Appropriate follow-up was done for 54/103 (52.4%). Iron supplementation was provided for 53/103 (51.5%) of patients. Having inpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy, blood transfusion, or symptomatic anemia had a statistical significance for likelihood of appropriate discharge documentation. CONCLUSIONS: Iron-deficiency anemia can have high rates of mortality and morbidity in the population. Appropriate discharge of patients with iron-deficiency anemia and factors related to this are paramount for clinicians in order to have the best patient outcomes.