Definition of Anemia of chronic disease:

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia.

Anemia of chronic disease is a blood disorder that refers to anemia that is found in people with certain long-term (chronic) medical conditions.

See also: Anemia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Anemia 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:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis
• Cancer, particularly lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Long-term infections, such as bacterial endocarditis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or hepatitis C

Symptoms:

Anemia of chronic disease is often mild. You may not notice symptoms of anemia.

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling weak or tired
• Headache
• Paleness
• Shortness of breath

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical examination.

Because anemia may be the first symptom of a serious illness, determining its cause is very important.

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

• Hemoglobin level
• Red blood count
• Reticulocyte count
• Serum ferritin
• Serum iron
• Other blood tests

Treatment:

The anemia is often mild enough that it requires no treatment, and will likely 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, but only for patients whose iron levels are low. Taking iron pills when your body does not need it can lead to serious medical problems. Always talk with your health care provider first.

For some conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, medicine called erythropoietin may be given. It stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.

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. Anemia is associated with a higher risk of death in patients with heart failure.

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.