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Blood cells

Anemia of chronic disease

Definition

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

See also: Anemia

Alternative Names

Anemia of inflammation

Causes

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:

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

Symptoms

Symptoms may go unnoticed when there is another disease present. Possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical examination. Anemia can be confirmed by a red blood count or hemoglobin level.

Treatment

This type of anemia responds to treatment of the disease causing anemia. It is rarely severe enough to require blood transfusion.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With successful treatment of the primary disease, the anemia will go away.

Possible Complications

Discomfort from symptoms is the primary complication of most cases.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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

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.

Review Date: 6/10/2008
Reviewed By: 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.