Optimal management of iron deficiency anemia due to poor dietary intake.

Iron is necessary for the normal development of multiple vital processes. Iron deficiency (ID) may be caused by several diseases, even by physiological situations that increase requirements for this mineral. One of its possible causes is a poor dietary iron intake, which is infrequent in developed countries, but quite common in developing areas. In these countries, dietary ID is highly prevalent and comprises a real public health problem and a challenge for health authorities. ID, with or without anemia, can cause important symptoms that are not only physical, but can also include a decreased intellectual performance. All this, together with a high prevalence, can even have negative implications for a community's economic and social development. Treatment consists of iron supplements. Prevention of ID obviously lies in increasing the dietary intake of iron, which can be difficult in developing countries. In these regions, foods with greater iron content are scarce, and attempts are made to compensate this by fortifying staple foods with iron. The effectiveness of this strategy is endorsed by multiple studies. On the other hand, in developed countries, ID with or without anemia is nearly always associated with diseases that trigger a negative balance between iron absorption and loss. Its management will be based on the treatment of underlying diseases, as well as on oral iron supplements, although these latter are limited by their tolerance and low potency, which on occasions may compel a change to intravenous administration. Iron deficiency has a series of peculiarities in pediatric patients, in the elderly, in pregnant women, and in patients with dietary restrictions, such as celiac disease.

[Treatment with anti-TNFalpha agents in Crohn's disease: what drug we have to use and when?]. / Tratamiento con agentes anti-TNFalpha en la enfermedad de Crohn: qué fármaco debemos utilizar y cuándo?

Crohn's disease (CD) is often very difficult to treat. Almost ten years ago "biologic" agents were introduced in the armamentarium to control CD. Although there are many new drugs in the pipeline, only two antiTNF agents have been released to the market (infliximab and, recently, adalimumab) and probably in 2008 certolizumab will be approved. A review of available evidence suggests that the three antibodies are effective in the induction and maintenance of response, and (to a lesser extent) remission. Infliximab has been very useful in fistulizing disease, and preliminary data do suggest that adalimumab and certolizumab will be also. Cost and long-term safety limit the use of these agents in daily practice. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, good patient selection and strict adherence to Clinical Guidelines seem the key points. It has been suggested that these drugs should be used in early disease to avoid progression, but current data are very scarce to generalize this recommendation. In anycase, we think that the use of "biologics" will provoke a dramatic change in CD treatment in the next 10 years.