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Page Contents:
 
1. What is Anemia of Chronic Disease
2. Types of Anemia
3. Causes
4. Symptoms
5. Treatment
6. Complications
7. Consultations
8. Sources and references
Anemia of chronic disease or anemia of chronic inflammation is a form of anemia seen in chronic infection, chronic immune activation, malignancy and chronic kidney disease. Anemia is defined by low levels of circulating red blood cells or hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Anemia of chronic disease is usually a mild or moderate condition. In mild cases, anemia may not be associated with any symptoms or may cause fatigue, paleness of the skin (pallor) and lightheadedness.
Why is anemia of inflammation also called anemia of chronic disease?
Anemia of inflammation is also called anemia of chronic disease because this type of anemia commonly occurs in people who have chronic conditions that may be associated with inflammation.

Types of Anemia

Aplastic anemia
Iron deficiency anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Thalassemia
Vitamin deficiency anemia

Are there other types of anemia?

There are many types of anemia. Common types include:
 
*iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body’s stored iron is used up, causing the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells. In people with iron-deficiency anemia, iron levels are low in both body tissues and the blood. This is the most common type of anemia.

*pernicious anemia, which is caused by a lack of vitamin B12.

*aplastic anemia, a condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets because the bone marrow’s stem cells are damaged.

*hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal.

Causes of Anemia

Anemia is a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells in the blood. Anemia of chronic disease is a common cause of anemia. Some conditions that can lead to Anemia of chronic disease include:
 
*Autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis

*Cancer, including lymphoma and Hodgkin disease

*Long-term infections, such as bacterial endocarditis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), HIV/AIDS, lung abscess, hepatitis B or hepatitis C

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia of chronic disease is often mild. You may not notice any symptoms.
 
When symptoms occur, they may include:
 
*Feeling weak or tired
*Headache
*Paleness
*Shortness of breath

Treatment of Anemia

Anemia is often mild enough that it does not need treatment. It may get better when the disease that is causing it is treated.
 
More severe anemia, such as that caused by cancer or HIV/AIDS may require:
 
_Blood transfusion
_Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys, given as a shot

Complications of Anemia

Untreated anemia can be life-threatening and can even cause death.
 
Anemia results in a decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In the short term, the body can compensate with an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. If left untreated, anemia can cause multi-organ failure. This can include high output heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, cognitive impairment, and renal failure, among others. In pregnant women, untreated anemia can cause premature birth and low birth weight.

Which doctors do you need to consult?

1. Gastroenterology if GI bleeding suspected
2. Nephrology in patients with chronic kidney disease
3. Hematology if bone marrow disease or hemolysis is suspected
4. Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) for menorrhagia
Sources and references
 
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/anemia-of-chronic-disease
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anemia-of-chronic-disease/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000565.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534803/
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