anemia of chronic disease


anemia of chronic disease

Hematology A form of anemia that accounts for14 of all anemias in hospitalized Pts; it is the predominant form of hypoproliferative anemia, and seen in Pts with arthritis, chronic infections, and malignancy, which interferes with RBC production and shortens RBC lifespan Clinical Findings reflect the underlying disease Lab Mild-to-moderate anemia, often microcytic ± hypochromic; iron stores may be low/normal; RBC indices may be normal Pathogenesis Unknown; ? related to IFN-γ produced by activated macrophages Treatment Transfusion, erythropoietin.