Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Haematology and clinical Immunology

Anaemia of chronic disease - Normocytic anaemia

Anaemia of chronic disease is a condition of impaired iron use where haemoglobin is reduced but iron stores are normal or high. - Definition, Incidence, Aetiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical features, Complications, Investigations, Management, Prognosis.

Normocytic anaemia

Anaemia of chronic disease

Definition

Anaemia of chronic disease is a condition of impaired iron use where haemoglobin is reduced but iron stores are normal or high.

Aetiology/pathophysiology

Anaemia may result from any chronic disease, see Table 12.3. The exact mechanisms are unknown but may include the following:

· Bone marrow iron stores are not incorporated into developing erythrocytes.

· There is a relative resistance to erythropoetin.

· Circulating red cells have a reduced life span.

· These changes may be mediated by cytokines such as IL-1, TNF and interferon.

Clinical features

Symptoms and signs of anaemia.

Investigations

The anaemia is usually normocytic but may be slightly microcytic. Serum iron is low but ferritin is normal or high. The total iron binding capacity is low. The ESR is usually raised.

Management

Treating the underlying cause may result in a resolution of the anaemia. Erythropoeitin may be of benefit.

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Medicine and surgery: Haematology and clinical Immunology : Anaemia of chronic disease - Normocytic anaemia |