Summary about Disease
Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD), also known as anemia of inflammation, is a type of anemia that occurs in people with long-term (chronic) medical conditions. It's characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells due to chronic inflammation disrupting the body's ability to use iron normally. It is the second most common type of anemia worldwide.
Symptoms
Symptoms are often mild and may be masked by the underlying chronic illness. Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Headaches
Causes
ACD is caused by chronic inflammation affecting iron regulation. Underlying conditions that can lead to ACD include:
Chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV)
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Chronic kidney disease
Cancer
Chronic heart failure
Inflammatory bowel disease
Medicine Used
Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition. Medications that may be used include:
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs): such as epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa, may be used to stimulate red blood cell production in some cases, particularly in chronic kidney disease.
Iron supplements: May be given if iron deficiency is also present, although they are often not effective alone in ACD.
Treatments for the underlying chronic condition: Addressing the primary inflammatory condition is the main goal.
Blood transfusions: In severe cases, transfusions may be necessary to quickly raise red blood cell levels.
Is Communicable
No, Anemia of Chronic Disease is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions are related to managing the underlying chronic condition and preventing complications of anemia. These may include:
Following prescribed treatment plans for the underlying illness.
Maintaining a healthy diet.
Getting adequate rest.
Avoiding activities that cause excessive fatigue.
Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional.
How long does an outbreak last?
ACD is not an outbreak-related disease. It is a chronic condition that persists as long as the underlying inflammatory condition is present. The duration depends entirely on the course and management of the primary illness.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical history and physical exam: To assess underlying conditions and symptoms.
Complete blood count (CBC): Shows reduced red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
Iron studies: (serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin) These results are usually low or normal serum iron, low transferrin, and normal to high ferritin. Ferritin levels are often elevated as it is an acute phase reactant.
Other tests: To identify or evaluate the underlying chronic disease (e.g., inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP).
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms is gradual and may be subtle, often developing over weeks or months. The progression and severity of symptoms depend on the severity of the underlying condition and the degree of anemia.
Important Considerations
ACD is often underdiagnosed because symptoms can be nonspecific and attributed to the underlying chronic illness.
It is important to distinguish ACD from other types of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia, as treatment approaches differ.
Managing the underlying chronic condition is crucial for improving ACD.
The effectiveness of iron supplementation is limited in ACD due to impaired iron utilization.