ThTP7.5 An Assessment of Outcome in Patients with Anaemia (Iron Deficient and Non-Iron Deficient) Who Have Colon Cancer - Effect of treatment with Oral / IV Iron

Aim

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing colon cancer resection improves outcome defined by length of stay (LOS), recurrence and requirements for blood transfusions.

Method

Retrospective analysis of patients with anaemia and colonic cancer between January 2018 - August 2019. Anaemia categorised as – Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) and Non - Iron Deficiency Anaemia(non-IDA). IDA was defined as hypochromic microcytic anaemia. Patient demographics, tumour location, pre- and post-operative haemoglobin, LOS, recurrence, requirement for blood transfusions and treatment for anaemia were collected. Comparisons made between IDA and non-IDA groups in relation to treatment for anaemia with iron (oral/IV). Non-parametric statistical tests used (median, 2-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis) with significance at P <0.05.

Results

150 patients with colonic cancer identified: 77 in IDA group, 46 treated (42 oral, 4 iv iron). 11 in non- IDA group, 8 treated (oral iron).

IDA oral and IV treatment versus non-IDA:

Median age 74, 80 and 78 years (P = 0.814),

Pre- and post op Hb IDA vs non-IDA: 107, 97; 109, 101 (P 0.007 significant),

Requirement for blood transfusion (units) 0.77, 0.50;0.90 (P 0.596)

Length of Stay (days) 6, 5; 7 (P 0.113),

Tumour location: mean of right colon and transverse colon 24.33, 3.667 (P >0.1), and

Recurrence P >0.1.

Conclusion

In our series, iron treatment does not influence recurrence, LOS, blood transfusion requirements. Tumour location is not significantly different between IDA and non-IDA groups. Patients treated with oral iron are seen to have a larger drop in haemoglobin post operatively than the other groups.