What are Other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• ACD (Anemia of Chronic Disease)
• Anemia of Chronic Inflammation
• Anemia of Inflammation

What is Anemia of Chronic Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

• Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) is a type of anemia that generally occurs in individuals with certain preexisting conditions that include autoimmune diseases, cancers, or chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• In Anemia of Chronic Disease, the body has a normal level of iron in the tissues, but the blood is generally depleted of iron. The presence of chronic diseases may prevent the body from utilizing the iron stores to make healthy red blood cells, therefore leading to ACD
• Anemia of Chronic Disease is thought to be caused by changes in the immune system. It is often observed in older adults. A few common signs and symptoms of Anemia of Chronic Disease include body aches, pale skin, and tiredness
• The condition is typically diagnosed with an evaluation of the medical history and a blood test. The complications depend on the severity of the condition. Individuals with severe Anemia of Chronic Disease may have heart problems
• A treatment of Anemia of Chronic Disease typically involves managing the underlying chronic condition and symptomatic treatments. Treatment of the underlying condition is paired with treatment for the anemia. Presently, there are no clearly established prevention methods for the condition

Who gets Anemia of Chronic Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Anemia of Chronic Disease occurs in people with certain chronic conditions. It is the second most common type of anemia following iron-deficiency anemia
• Anemia of Chronic Disease can affect people of any age; adults above the age of 65 (older adults) are more develop this condition

What are the Risk Factors for Anemia of Chronic Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are some of the risk factors associated with Anemia of Chronic Disease: 

• Having a chronic condition associated with inflammation
• Old age
• Any type of infection
• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Autoimmune diseases such as:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammation of the joints 
  • Vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels
• Chronic rejection of a transplanted organ
• Heart failure
• Obesity

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Anemia of Chronic Disease? (Etiology)

Anemia of Chronic Disease is a serious medical condition that affects blood production. The following are the possible causes of the condition:

• Experts believe that when one has a disease that causes inflammation, the immune system changes the way it works and may cause Anemia of Chronic Disease. Chronic diseases can cause red blood cells to die sooner and slow down their production.
• However, there are a few cases where older adults have developed Anemia of Chronic Disease without any underlying infection or chronic disease present. Researchers believe that in these cases, the natural aging process may be causative 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia of Chronic Disease?

Anemia of Chronic Disease generally develops slowly and, in many cases, causes few to no symptoms. In symptomatic cases, the following are reported:

• Shortness of breath
• Body ache
• Fainting or dizziness
• Tiredness
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Headaches

The signs and symptoms of the underlying chronic disorder may be additionally noted.

How is Anemia of Chronic Disease Diagnosed?

• Anemia of Chronic Disease is generally diagnosed by taking a look at the patient’s medical history to identify any preexisting chronic conditions and then verifying the diagnosis with a blood test
• The other tests and exams may include:
  • Assessment of presenting signs and symptoms
  • Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC), which may show decrease in the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
• Additional tests to diagnose any underlying conditions, as advised by the healthcare provider

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Possible Complications of Anemia of Chronic Disease?

Typically, Anemia of Chronic Disease is mild or moderate. However, if the anemia becomes severe the following complications may be present:

• Shortness of breath
• Heart problems

The complications of the underlying chronic disease may be additionally noted.

How is Anemia of Chronic Disease Treated?

• Anemia of Chronic Disease is generally managed by initially treating the underlying condition. Treatment of the chronic condition is paired with medications for treating the anemia
• For anemia, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (that causes bone marrow to make more red blood cells) may be administered along with blood transfusions
• Taking medicines to treat inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (or other such conditions) can help improve anemia

How can Anemia of Chronic Disease be Prevented?

Presently, it may not be possible to prevent some cases of Anemia of Chronic Disease.

• The signs and symptoms, however, can be improved by treating the underlying conditions
• Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is highly recommended

What is the Prognosis of Anemia of Chronic Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Anemia of Chronic Disease is generally favorable. However, this may also depend on several factors including the nature of the chronic conditions, its severity, and age and health status of the individual.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Anemia of Chronic Disease:

In the Unites States, around 1 million people older than 65 reportedly have Anemia of Chronic Disease.