Anemia of chronic diseaseDefinitionAnemia 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 CausesAnemia 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:
Chronic renal failure may produce a similar anemia because it causes reduced levels of erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. SymptomsSymptoms may go unnoticed when there is another disease present. Possible symptoms include:
Exams and TestsThe doctor will perform a physical examination. Anemia can be confirmed by a red blood count or hemoglobin level. TreatmentThis type of anemia responds to treatment of the primary disease. It is rarely severe enough to require blood transfusion. Outlook (Prognosis)With successful treatment of the primary disease, the anemia will go away. Possible ComplicationsDiscomfort from symptoms is the primary complication of most cases. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have a chronic disorder and you develop symptoms of anemia. Illustrations and Images
Review Date:
2/6/2007 Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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