Anemia of chronic disease

Anemia of chronic disease (ACD), also known as Anemia of Inflammation or Anemia of Chronic Inflammation, is a type of anemia that commonly occurs with chronic, or long term, illnesses. These illnesses can include cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections, and chronic kidney disease.

Overview

ACD is characterized by the body's inability to use stored iron to produce hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This is due to the inflammatory response of the body to the chronic disease, which interferes with the absorption of iron and the production of red blood cells.

Causes

The primary cause of ACD is the body's response to chronic disease. Inflammatory cytokines, which are released during the immune response, interfere with the production of red blood cells and the absorption of iron. This results in a decrease in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ACD are similar to those of other types of anemia and can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. However, the symptoms of ACD are often overshadowed by the symptoms of the underlying chronic disease.

Diagnosis

ACD is diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of hemoglobin, iron, and other substances in the blood. A low level of hemoglobin and a normal or high level of iron in the blood can indicate ACD.

Treatment

The treatment of ACD focuses on managing the underlying chronic disease. This can include medications to reduce inflammation and, in some cases, iron supplements. However, iron supplements are not always effective in treating ACD, as the body may not be able to absorb the iron due to the chronic disease.

See also

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Chronic disease
• Inflammation