Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before endoscopic ultrasound guided tissue acquisition to reduce the incidence of post procedural pancreatitis

Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)with fine needle aspiration or fine needle biopsy is the gold standard for sampling tissue to diagnose pancreatic cancer and auto-immune pancreatitis or to analyze cyst fluid.The most common reported adverse event of fine needle aspiration and/or fine needle biopsy is acute pancreatitis,which is likely induced by the same pathophysiological mechanisms as after en-doscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).According to the current European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered prior to ERCP as a scientifically proven treatment to reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis incidence rate.A single suppository of diclofenac or indomethacin prior to EUS guided tissue acquisition(TA)is harm-less in healthy adults.Since it is associated with low costs and,most important,may prevent a dreadsome complication,we strongly recommend the adminis-tration of 100 mg diclofenac rectally prior to EUS-TA.We will explain this recom-mendation in more detail in this review as well as the risk and pathophysiology of post-EUS TA pancreatitis.

Role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis:a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The role of prophylactic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reduction of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is debated. We performed a meta-analysis of all published randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Six randomized clinical trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and addressed the clinical questions of this analysis were further assessed. Data were extracted by two independent observers according to predetermined criteria. RESULTS: The risk of pancreatitis was lower in the NSAID group than in the placebo, group (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.65, P < 0.0001). Two hours after ERCP, prophylactic administration of NSAIDs was associated with a lower serum amylase level (WMD: -91.09,95% CI: -149.78 to -32.40, P=0.002), but there was no difference in mean 24-hour serum amylase values (WMD: -379.00, 95% CI: -805.75 to 47.76, P=0.08). No deaths or NSAID-related complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic administration of NSAIDs can reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis; this administration in patients undergoing ERCP is recommended. Further randomized controlled trials are required before its introduction into routine care.

Interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or low-dose aspirin use: Old question new insights

Previous reports clearly demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAID)or low dose aspirin(ASA)use significantly and independently increased the risk for the development of peptic ulcer disease.Today,the presence of H.pylori infection associated with low dose ASA and/or NSAID use in the same patient is becoming more frequent and therefore the potential interaction between these factors and the consequences of it has important implications.Whether NSAID intake in the presence of H.pylori infection may further increase the risk of peptic ulcer carried by the presence of only one risk factor is still a matter of debate.Studies on the interaction between the two risk factors yielded conflicting data and no consensus has been reached in the last years.In addition,the interaction between H.pylori infection and low-dose ASA remains even more controversial.In real clinical practice,we can find different clinical scenarios involving these three factors associated with the presence of different gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk factors.These huge variety of possible combinations greatly hinder the decision making process of physicians.

Effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis:A meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)on the incidence of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS:Two independent reviewers searched pub Med(1966 to October 2013),Embase(1984 to October2013)and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL;Issue 4,2013)for relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)studying the effectiveness of prophylactic NSAID administration in the prevention of PEP.Using the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook,meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the overall effect of NSAIDs in preventing the incidences of PEP and moderate to severe pancreatitis.RESULTS:Eight RCTs were identified from the literature search and included 1883 patients that underwent ERCP,with 971 patients in the NSAID group and 912patients in the placebo group.Sixty-nine out of 971(7.11%)patients developed PEP in the NSAID group in comparison to 143 out of 912(15.68%)patients in the placebo group.The pooled RR of PEP incidence with prophylactic NSAID administration was 0.43(95%CI:0.33-0.56),which demonstrates that NSAID administration after ERCP significantly reduced the incidence of PEP when compared to the placebo group(p<0.0001).Subgroup analysis was performed and revealed that the presence(NSAID group)or absence(placebo group)of NSAIDs had no significant effect on the development of moderate to severe pancreatitis(RR=0.79,95%CI:0.52-1.18).Moreover,the administration of NSAIDs as a rectal suppository(RR=0.35,95%CI:0.26-0.48;p<0.0001)was more effective than oral administration(RR=0.97,95%CI:0.53-1.80)or through infusion(RR=0.43,95%CI:0.12-1.54).CONCLUSION:NSAIDs effectively reduce the incidence of PEP but not of moderate to severe pancreatitis.

Characteristics and clinical outcome of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced acute hepato-nephrotoxicity among Chinese patients

AIM:To determine the clinicopathological characteristics of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID)-induced acute hepato-nephrotoxicity among Chinese patients.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients using the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision diagnosis code for acute kidney injury(AKI)(584.5 or 584.9)and for acute liver injury(ALI)(570.0 or 573.3)from January 2004 to December 2013.Medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of AKI and ALI and to quantify NSAID administration.RESULTS:Seven of 59 patients(11.8%)were identified with acute hepato-nephrotoxicity induced by NSAIDs.Five patients(71.4%)received over the recommended NSAIDs dose.Compared with NSAIDsassociated mere AKI,the risk factors of NSAIDsinduced acute hepato-nephrotoxicity are age older than 60 years(57.1%),a high prevalence of alcohol use(71.4%)and positive hepatitis B virus(HBV)markers(85.7%).Compared with NSAIDs-associated mere ALI,the risk factors of NSAIDs-induced acute hepatonephrotoxicity are age older than 60 years(57.1%),increased extracellular volume depletion(71.4%),and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS)inhibitor combined use(57.1%).Acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubulointerstitial disease were apparent in three out of six(42.9%)kidney biopsy patients,respectively.Acute hepatitis was found in four out of six(66.7%)liver biopsy patients.Overall complete recovery occurred in four patients within a mean of 118.25±55.42 d.CONCLUSION:The injury typically occurred after an overdose of NSAIDs.The risk factors include age older than 60 years,alcohol use,positive HBV markers,extracellular volume depletion and RAAS inhibitor combined use.

Split-dose or hybrid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Nacetylcysteine therapy for prevention of post-retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Despite significant technical and training improvements, the incidence of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP) has not significantly dropped. Although many studies have evaluated the efficacy of various agents, e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, octreotide,antioxidants, administered via various dosages, routes(oral, intrarectal or parenteral), and schedules(before or after the procedure), the results have been conflicting.AIM To evaluate efficacy of three pharmacologic prophylactic methods for prevention of PEP.METHODS In this prospective, single-center randomized trial, patients who underwent firsttime ERCP for choledocholithiasis were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received 600 mg N-acetylcysteine 15 min prior to ERCP, and perrectum administration of 50 mg indomethacin both prior to and after completion of the ERCP. The second group was administered only the 50 mg indomethacin per-rectum both prior to and after the ERCP. The third group was administeredper-rectum 100 mg indomethacin only after the ERCP, representing the control group given the guideline-recommended regimen. The primary end-point was PEP prevention.RESULTS Among the total 211 patients evaluated during the study, 186 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the protocol. The percentages of patients who developed PEP in each of the three groups were not significantly different(χ2 =2.793, P = 0.247). Among the acute PEP cases, for all groups, 14 patients developed mild pancreatitis(77.77%) and 4 moderate. No severe cases of PEP occurred, and in all PEP cases the resolution was favorable. No adverse events related to the medications(digestive hemorrhage, rectal irritation, or allergies)occurred.CONCLUSION The efficacies of split-dose indomethacin and combined administration(Nacetylcysteine with indomethacin) for preventing PEP were similar to that of the standard regimen.

Gastric body diaphragm-like stricture as a rare complication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Increased risk due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) therapy has been observed in patients. Although diaphragm-like stricture in the small bowel and colon induced by NSAIDs therapy has been rarely reported, gastric body diaphragm-like stricture has not been reported. We describe the first case of gastric body diaphragm-like stricture due to NSAIDs in a 44-year-old male patient who was successfully treated by an endoscopic approach to avoid complicated surgery. This case highlights new insight into the disadvantages of NSAIDs and provides new data for future clinical studies.

Efficacy of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Treatment of Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Women:A Meta-analysis

Urinary tract infections(UTIs)are among the most frequent causes for antibiotic prescription and;therefore,alternative treatment options for UTIs can potentially reduce antibiotic usage and development of resistance.To evaluate the efficacy of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDS)for the treatment of uncomplicated lower UTIs in women,this study implemented a meta-analytic approach to evaluate the results of available randomized clinical studies from online databases.A total of four trials involving 1144 patients with uncomplicated lower UTIs were included in the final evaluation.Results showed that symptom resolution at Day 3-4 in the NSAIDs group was significantly lower than that in the antibiotics group[pooled odds ratio(OR)=0.41,95%confidence interval(CI):0.23-0.74,P<0.05].However,there was no significant difference between the NSAIDs and antibiotics groups in symptom resolution at Day 7(pooled OR=0.43,95%CI:0.17-1.06,P=0.07),secondary antibiotic treatment rate at Day 28-30(pooled OR=1.15,95%CI:0.16-7.98,P=0.89)and adverse events rate(pooled OR=1.09,95%CI:0.61-1.96,P=0.77).Therefore,this metaanalysis suggests that,although inferior to antibiotics in fast symptom resolution,symptomatic treatment with NSAIDs can be considered as an alternative treatment option for uncomplicated lower UTIs in women.However,given the low number of randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis,efficacy of NSAIDs for treatment of uncomplicated lower UTIs should be further evaluated in more comprehensive clinical studies.

Clinical profile of medication-related emergencies among patients presenting to the emergency department:An observational study

Objective:To determine the clinical profile of patients presenting with medication-related emergencies to the Emergency Department of our institute.Methods:This was an observational study conducted between November 2018 and September 2020 at Bangalore Baptist Hospital,Karnataka.A total of 138 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study.The severity of adverse drug reactions(ADR)is assessed based on the Hurwitz severity assessment scale of ADR.Glasgow coma scale at the time of presentation and source of medication were noted.The type of drug overdose,requirement of advanced airway and vasopressors,and the outcome were also assessed.Results:Among medication-related emergencies(n=138)in our study,ADR contributed to 70.3%(n=97)of the study population,and drug overdose accounted for 29.7%(n=41).One-third of the ADR occurred in patients aged above 60 years.Most patients were hemodynamically stable and did not require vasopressors,or advanced airway in both groups.Most patients had Glasgow coma scale ranging from 13-15 in both groups.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most used medicine(17/41,41.5%)and most medications were over the counter drugs(25/41,61.0%)in the drug overdose group;meanwhile in the ADR group,anti-diabetic medication was the most used medicine(34/97,35.1%)and most medications were prescribed in the ADR group(93/97,95.9%).Conclusions:Our study shows that ADR is the most common type of medication-related emergency.

外用非甾体抗炎药治疗肌肉骨骼系统疼痛的中国专家共识

【为了推动和规范中国外用非甾体抗炎药（nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,NSAIDs）用于运动损伤所致的轻、中度疼痛的治疗,中华医学会运动医疗分会于2014年10月在北京成立了外用NSAIDs疼痛治疗中国专家委员会,同时召开了外用NSAIDs药物临床应用专家咨询会。

镇痛剂肾病合并ANCA相关性血管炎2例

非甾体抗炎药（nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs,NSAIDs）可造成各种类型的肾损害,包括由于前列腺素合成障碍导致的急性肾功能衰竭、高钾血症和水钠潴留,细胞免疫介导的急性间质性肾炎、肾病综合征以及慢性间质性肾炎和肾乳头坏死。镇痛剂肾病（analgesic nephropathy,AN）指长期大量应用NSAIDs及其复方制剂造成的慢性肾小管间质性肾病和肾乳头坏死[1]。

非甾体抗炎药与肾脏毒性

非甾体抗炎药(nonsteroidal anti-in flammatory drugs,NSAIDs)原称解热镇痛药,是一大类不同质的化合物,包括水杨酸类的阿司匹林和氟苯水杨酸,多环酸类的吲哚美辛、苏灵大、萘普生、布洛芬、苯氧布洛芬。

Protons pump inhibitor treatment and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Balancing risks and benefits

Proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) represent a milestone in the treatment of acid-related diseases, and are the mainstay in preventing upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) or low-dose aspirin. However, this beneficial effect does not extend to the lower gastrointestinal tract. PPIs do not prevent NSAID or aspirin-associated lower gastrointestinal bleeding(LGB). PPIs may increase both small bowel injury related to NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin treatment and the risk of LGB. Recent studies suggested that altering intestinal microbiota by PPIs may be involved in the pathogenesis of NSAID-enteropathy. An increase in LGB hospitalization rates may occur more frequently in older patients with more comorbidities and are associated with high hospital resource utilization, longer hospitalization, and increased mortality. Preventive strategies for NSAID and aspirin-associated gastrointestinal bleeding should be directed toward preventing both upper and lower gastrointestinal damage. Future research should be directed toward identifying patients at low-risk for gastrointestinal events associated with the use of NSAIDs or aspirin to avoid inappropriate PPI prescribing. Alternatively, the efficacy of new pharmacologic strategies should be evaluated in high-risk groups, with the aim of reducing the risk of both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and the inflammogenesis of breast cancer

Cohesive scientific evidence from molecular, animal, and human investigations supports the hypothesis that constitutive overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) is a ubiquitous driver of mammary carcinogenesis, and reciprocally, that COX-2 blockade has strong potential for breast cancer prevention and therapy. Key findings include the following:(1) COX-2 is constitutively expressed throughout breast cancer development and expression intensifies with stage at detection, cancer progression and metastasis;(2) essential features of mammary carcinogenesis(mutagenesis, mitogenesis, angiogenesis, reduced apoptosis, metastasis and immunosuppression) are linked to COX-2-driven prostaglandin E2(PGE-2) biosynthesis;(3) upregulation of COX-2 and PGE-2 expression induces transcription of CYP-19 and aromatase-catalyzed estrogen biosynthesis which stimulates unbridled mitogenesis;(4) extrahe-patic CYP-1B1 in mammary adipose tissue converts paracrine estrogen to carcinogenic quinones with mutagenic impact; and(5) agents that inhibit COX-2 reduce the risk of breast cancer in women without disease and reduce recurrence risk and mortality in women with breast cancer. Recent sharp increases in global breast cancer incidence and mortality are likely driven by chronic inflammation of mammary adipose and upregulation of COX-2 associated with the obesity pandemic. The totality of evidence clearly supports the supposition that mammary carcinogenesis often evolves as a progressive series of highly specific cellular and molecular changes in response to induction of constitutive overexpression of COX-2 and the prostaglandin cascade in the "inflammogenesis of breast cancer".

What are the effects of proton pump inhibitors on the small intestine?

Generally, proton-pump inhibitors(PPIs) have great benefit for patients with acid related disease with less frequently occurring side effects. According to a recent report, PPIs provoke dysbiosis of the small intestinal bacterial flora, exacerbating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injury.Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews have reported that patients treated with PPIs, as well as post-gastrectomy patients, have a higher frequency of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO) compared to patients who lack the aforementioned conditions.Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence that these conditions induce Clostridium difficile infection. At this time, PPI-induced dysbiosis is considered a type of SIBO. It now seems likely that intestinal bacterial flora influence many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune diseases.When attempting to control intestinal bacterial flora with probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, etc., the influence of acid suppression therapy, especially PPIs, should not be overlooked.

Prophecy about post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:From divination to science

One unresolved issue of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP),which occurs in up to 40%of patients.Identification of risk factors for PEP is especially important in the field of ERCP practice because it may assist physicians in taking protective measures in situations with high risk.A decade ago,Freeman et al meticulously evaluated a large number of potentially relevant risk factors for PEP,which can be divided into patient-relat-ed and procedure-related issues.In this commentary, we summarize this classic article and reevaluate the risk factors for PEP from the current point of view.This is followed by assessment of strategies for prevention of PEP that can be divided into mechanical and pharmacologic methods.

Suppository naproxen reduces incidence and severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: Randomized controlled trial

AIM: To determine the efficacy of rectally administered naproxen for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS: This double-blind randomized control trial conducted from January 2013 to April 2014 at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center in Rasht, Iran. A total of 324 patients were selected from candidates for diagnostic or therapeutic ERCP by using the simple sampling method. Patients received a single dose of Naproxen(500 mg; n = 162) or a placebo(n = 162) per rectum immediately before ERCP. The overall incidence of PEP, incidence of mild to severe PEP, serum amylase levels and adverse effects were measured. The primary outcome measure was the development of pancreatitis onset of pain in the upper abdomen and elevation of the serum amylase level to > 3 × the upper normal limit(60-100 IU/L) within 24 h after ERCP. The severity of PEP was classified according to the duration of therapeutic intervention for PEP: mild, 2-3 d; moderate 4-10 d; and severe, > 10 d and/or necessitated surgical or intensive treatment, or contributed to death.RESULTS:PEP occurred in 12 %(40/324) o f participants, and was significantly more frequent in the placebo group compared to the naproxen group(P < 0.01). Of the participants, 25.9%(84/324) developed hyperamylasemia within 2 h of procedure completion, among whom only 35 cases belonged to the naproxen group(P < 0.01). The incidence of PEP was significantly higher in female sex, in patients receiving pancreatic duct injection, more than 3 times pancreatic duct cannulations, and ERCP duration more than 40 min(P s < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the procedures or factors that might increase the risk of PEP, sphincterotomy, precut requirement, biliary duct injection and number of pancreatic duct cannulations. In the subgroup of patients with pancreatic duct injection, the rate of pancreatitis in the naproxen group was significantly lower than that in the placebo(6 patients vs 23 patients, P < 0.01, RRR = 12%, AR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2-0.6). Naproxen reduced the PEP in patients with ≥ 3 pancreatic cannulations(P < 0.01, RRR = 25%, AR = 0.1, 95%CI: 0.1-0.4) and an ERCP duration > 40 min(P < 0.01, RRR = 20%, AR = 0.9, 95%CI: 0.4-1.2).CONCLUSION: Single dose of suppository naproxen administered immediately before ERCP reduces the incidence of PEP.

Role of dietary phospholipids and phytosterols in protection against peptic ulceration as shown by experiments on rats

Geographically the prevalence of duodenal ulceration is related to the staple foods in the diet in regions of developing countries where the diet is stable.It is higher in regions where the diet is based on milled rice,refined wheat or maize,yams,cassava,sweet potato,or green bananas,and is lower in regions where the staple diet is based on unrefined wheat or maize,soya,certain millets or certain pulses.Experiments on rat gastric and duodenal ulcer models showed that it was the lipid fraction in staple foods from low prevalence areas that was protective against bothgastric and duodenal ulceration,including ulceration due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs).It also promoted ulcer healing.The lipid from the pulse,Dolichos biflorus,horse gram which was highly protective was used to identify the fractions with protective activity in the lipid.The protective activity lay in the phospholipid,sterol and sterol ester fractions.In the phospholipid fraction phosphatidyl choline(lethicin) and phosphatidyl ethanolamine(cephalin) were predominant.In the sterol fraction the sub-fractions showing protective activity contained β-sitosterol,stigmasterol,and an unidentified isomer of β-sitosterol.The evidence from animal models shows that certain dietary phospholipids and phytosterols have a protective action against gastroduodenal ulceration,both singly and in combination.This supports the protective role of staple diets in areas of low duodenal ulcer prevalence and may prove to be of importance in the prevention and treatment of duodenal ulceration and management of recurrent ulcers.A combination of phospholipids and phytosterols could also play an important role in protection against ulceration due to NSAIDs.

Challenge of liver disease in systemic lupus erythematosus:Clues for diagnosis and hints for pathogenesis

Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) encompass a broad spectrum of liver diseases. We propose here to classify them as follows:(1) immunological comorbilities(overlap syndromes);(2) non-immunological comorbilities associated to SLE; and(3) a putative liver damage induced by SLE itself, referred to as "lupus hepatitis". In the first group, liver injury can be ascribed to overlapping hepatopathies triggered by autoimmune mechanisms other than SLE occurring with higher incidence in the context of lupus(e.g., autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis). The second group includes non-autoimmune liver diseases, such as esteatosis, hepatitis C, hypercoagulation state-related liver lesions, hyperplasic parenchymal and vascular lesions, porphyria cutanea tarda, and drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Finally, the data in the literature to support the existence of a hepatic disease produced by SLE itself, or the occurrence of a SLE-associated prone condition that increases susceptibility to acquire other liver diseases, is critically discussed. The pathological mechanisms underlying each of these liver disorders are also reviewed. Despite the high heterogeneity in the literature regarding the prevalence of SLE-associated liver diseases and, in most cases, lack of histopathological evidence or clinical studies large enough to support their existence, it is becoming increasingly apparent that liver is an important target of SLE. Consequently, biochemical liver tests should be routinely carried out in SLE patients to discard liver disorders, particularly in those patients chronically exposed to potentially hepatotoxic drugs. Diagnosing liver disease in SLE patients is always challenging, and the systematization of the current information carried out in this review is expected to be of help both to attain a better understanding of pathogenesis and to build an appropriate work-up for diagnosis.

Anemia and iron deficiency in gastrointestinal and liver conditions

Iron deficiency anemia(IDA) is associated with a number of pathological gastrointestinal conditions other than inflammatory bowel disease, and also with liver disorders. Different factors such as chronic bleeding, malabsorption and inflammation may contribute to IDA. Although patients with symptoms of anemia are frequently referred to gastroenterologists, the approach to diagnosis and selection of treatment as well as follow-up measures is not standardized and suboptimal. Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can substantially impact physical and cognitive function and reduce quality of life. Therefore, regular iron status assessment and awareness of the clinical consequences of impaired iron status are critical. While the range of options for treatment of IDA is increasing due to the availability of effective and well-tolerated parenteral iron preparations, a comprehensive overview of IDA and its therapy in patients with gastrointestinal conditions is currently lacking. Furthermore, definitions and assessment of iron status lack harmonization and there is a paucity of expert guidelines on this topic. This review summarizes current thinking concerning IDA as a common co-morbidity in specific gastrointestinal and liver disorders, and thus encourages a more unified treatment approach to anemia and iron deficiency, while offering gastroenterologists guidance on treatment options for IDA in everyday clinical practice.