hematology and oncology
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Key Points
Almost any chronic infection, inflammation, or cancer can cause anemia; hemoglobin usually is>8 g/dL (> 80 g/L) unless an additional mechanism contributes. Multiple factors are involved, including shortened red blood cell survival, impaired erythropoiesis, and impaired iron availability. Anemia is initially normocytic and then can become microcytic. Serum iron and transferrin are typically decreased, while ferritin is normal to increased. Treat the underlying disorder. 