Anemia of chronic disease Health Article

Definition

Anemia of chronic disease is a blood disorder that results from a long-term (chronic) medical condition that affects the production and lifespan of red blood cells.

See also: Anemia

Alternative Names

Anemia of inflammation

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Anemia is a condition in which there is a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells in the blood. Certain chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and other illnesses can affect the body's ability to produce red blood cells.

Conditions that can lead to anemia of chronic disease include:

• AIDS
• Cancer
• Chronic bacterial endocarditis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Crohn's disease
• Hepatitis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteomyelitis
• Rheumatic fever
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ulcerative colitis

Symptoms

You may not notice symptoms if you have another disease.

Possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Shortness of breath

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical examination.

Tests that may be done to diagnose anemia or rule out other causes include:

• Hemoglobin level
• Red blood count
• Other blood tests

Treatment

The anemia will get better when the disease that is causing it is treated.

The condition is rarely severe enough to require a blood transfusion. Iron supplements may sometimes be used, although they should only be given to patients whose iron levels are low.

Expectations (prognosis)

The anemia will improve when the disease that is causing it is successfully treated.

Complications

Discomfort from symptoms is the main complication in most cases.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a chronic disorder and you develop symptoms of anemia.

References

Ginder GD. Microcytic and hypochromic anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 163.