Does gastric intestinal metaplasia cause anemia?

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between intestinal metaplasia (IM) and anaemia. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out by retrospective evaluation of 183 patients who underwent endoscopy between 2017 and 2023 at Bolu Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital. Male and postmenopausal women over the age of 18 years were included in the study; premenopausal women, patients diagnosed with malignancy, and patients with significant gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded. Results: Haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were statistically significantly lower in patients with IM (p<0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels and the presence of IM. No significant difference was found between genders in terms of IM frequency, and no significant relationship was observed between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the presence of IM and anaemia. Conclusion: IM may play a role in the development of anaemia, especially by affecting haemoglobin and erythrocyte indices. However, this effect was not significant on classical anaemia parameters (iron, B12, folate). These findings emphasise the importance of regular follow-up of patients with IM in terms of anaemia. Early diagnosis and treatment of IM is critical for the prevention and management of associated anemias.