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Anemia of chronic disease - Overview

Alternative Names

Anemia of inflammation

Definition of Anemia of chronic disease:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood. Certain chronic infections and inflammatory diseases can affect red blood cells.

Conditions associated with the anemia of chronic disease include:

Blood cells

Reviewed last on: 6/10/2008
James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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.

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